fighting words
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These are fighting words, and we can safely assume that Jackson does not use them lightly.
From Slate • Jun. 20, 2025
Justice Kagan acknowledged that “true threats,” like libel, incitement, obscenity and fighting words, are not protected by the First Amendment.
From New York Times • Jun. 27, 2023
Well, we heard a lot of fighting words, but we didn't see a lot of soldiers.
From Salon • Jun. 16, 2023
These are fighting words that have spurred many more Ukrainians to learn and use their language.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2022
They hear fighting words on the wind, when all I’m thinking is how the late-day sun reminds me of a ripe nectarine.
From "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate
