Pronunciation: [bˈɪkəɹɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "bickering" is spelled with two consonant sounds, "b" and "k," followed by the vowel sound "i." The second consonant sound is "c," which is pronounced as /k/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The following syllables are pronounced with the same vowel sound, "i," and end with the consonant sounds "ng" and "r." The word can be transcribed in IPA as /ˈbɪkərɪŋ/, and it means a petty argument or dispute.
Bickering is a verb that refers to engaging in petty or trivial arguments or disputes, typically between two or more individuals. It involves engaging in continuous, bothersome, and often unproductive quarrels, typically focused on minor or trivial matters. Bickering often takes the form of heated or contentious exchanges, filled with constant and repetitive complaints, criticisms, or disagreements, even over small or inconsequential issues. Such disputes are characterized by repetitive back-and-forth arguments, each party trying to gain an advantage or prove their point, often leading to a breakdown in communication or an escalation of tensions.
The act of bickering is marked by its irritability and a sense of endless disagreement, often resulting in a general sense of frustration, annoyance, or weariness for those involved or for those who have to witness it. Bickering can occur within various contexts, such as between siblings, couples, colleagues, friends, or even within larger social or political groups.
While bickering may seem harmless or trivial, it frequently creates a negative atmosphere and contributes to relationship strain or tension. It can result in a loss of focus on important matters, a waste of valuable time, and may hinder progress or effective problem-solving. Resolving bickering usually requires individuals to exhibit patience, empathy, and active listening, as well as the ability to address underlying concerns or conflicts in a constructive and cooperative manner.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bickering" originated from the Middle English term "biker", which meant "to attack" or "to fight". It is believed to have derived from the Old Norse verb "bikarr", which refers to mutual hitting or attacking. Over time, the term "biker" transformed into "bicker" and eventually gained the specific connotation of engaging in a petty quarrel or argument. The noun form "bickering" emerged in the early 16th century to describe such contentious interactions.
