spitting match

USAGE SUMMARY

"spitting match" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe a contest or argument between two people, especially when the contest or argument involves opposing opinions and aggressive behavior. For example, "The two candidates had a heated spitting match during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I won't dwell on last week's political spitting match, except to make one point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's eavesdrop on the spitting match that launched a thousand insults.

The New York Times

Within the 007s the legendary spitting match between the CIA and the FBI continues to rage, ever more so now that the FBI is encroaching on foreign intelligence gathering.

The Washington Post

Martin A. Corry, director of federal affairs at AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), said the "spitting match" between the two industries showed that "the private sector is not going to be able to provide prescription drug benefits" on the scale required by the elderly.

The New York Times

China and Russia haven't played nice together since Mao's and Khrushchev's delegations got into a spitting match (literally) in October of 1959.

Vice

Terrifyingly, we seem intent to deny our obligations in the international sphere with regard to human rights and are in a spitting match at the United Nations, much to our substantial shame.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

For growing numbers of voters, elections resemble spitting matches between empty shells, in which little is at stake.

The Economist

According to Tim Gossage of Channel 10 in Australia, Fish was given a code violation warning during the match for spitting in the direction of a block of flag-waving Bulgarian fans who were sitting several rows above the court.

The New York Times

In that season he was fined by Liverpool and banned for three matches after spitting in the face of Portsmouth's Arjan De Zeeuw.

Independent

The Football Association has banned Manchester United's Jonny Evans for six games and Newcastle's Papiss Cisse for seven matches for spitting.

BBC

And the F.B.I.'s computer spit out a match to our 1971 unsolved murder.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "spitting match" to vividly describe a verbal conflict characterized by intense emotion and aggressive exchanges.

Common error

Avoid using "spitting match" to describe calm or polite disagreements. This phrase implies a high level of animosity and should only be used when the conflict is notably heated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spitting match" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes a specific type of argument characterized by intense verbal exchange, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spitting match" is a noun phrase used to describe a heated and aggressive verbal exchange. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, though relatively uncommon. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase vividly characterizes disputes with a strong emotional charge. When writing, use "spitting match" to aptly depict intensely acrimonious arguments and avoid it in contexts requiring a more formal tone. Consider alternatives such as "heated exchange" or "fierce debate" for subtly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heated exchange

Focuses on the intensity and back-and-forth nature of the argument.

fierce debate

Emphasizes the strong disagreement and opposing viewpoints.

angry dispute

Highlights the anger and disagreement involved.

bitter quarrel

Stresses the resentment and animosity in the disagreement.

contentious argument

Indicates that the argument is likely to cause disagreement or controversy.

acrimonious debate

Focuses on the bitterness and sharpness of the discussion.

verbal altercation

Highlights the confrontational and spoken nature of the dispute.

heated confrontation

Emphasizes the direct and intense clash between parties.

vigorous disagreement

Highlights the strength and forcefulness of the differing opinions.

intense disagreement

Emphasizes the degree of difference in opinions.

FAQs

What does "spitting match" mean?

A "spitting match" is a term used to describe a heated and often public argument or exchange, usually involving strong disagreements and intense emotions.

What are some synonyms for "spitting match"?

Alternatives include "heated exchange", "fierce debate", or "angry dispute". The best choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "spitting match" a formal or informal term?

"Spitting match" is generally considered an informal term. It's suitable for news articles and general conversation but may not be appropriate for formal academic or business writing.

How can I use "spitting match" in a sentence?

Example: "The political debate quickly devolved into a "spitting match" as the candidates traded insults." Another example: "The negotiations turned into a "spitting match" over budget allocations."