bicker
UK[ˈbɪkə(r)]US[ˈbɪkər]
v
To argue about things that are not important
Etymology
The verb 'bicker' first appeared in Middle English, around the 14th century, with the sense of to attack or skirmish. Its origin is obscure but is thought to be imitative, perhaps meant to evoke the rapid, repetitive, and petty sound of quarreling or clattering. This onomatopoeic theory is supported by related words in other Germanic languages, like Middle Dutch bicken (to slash, stab) and Middle Low German bikken (to hack). Over time, the meaning softened from physical skirmishing to its modern sense of engaging in a petty, persistent, and often noisy argument.
Analysis
The word 'bicker' is a simplex word of uncertain, likely onomatopoeic origin. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The children would constantly bicker over who got to sit in the front seat.
It's pointless to bicker about minor details when we agree on the overall plan.
They have a loving relationship, but they do bicker occasionally like any couple.