spat
n. countablen. a small, unimportant argument between people who are usually friendly. It is a quick disagreement that does not last very long.
n. a brief, petty quarrel or minor disagreement. Often used to describe domestic or social disputes that lack significant consequence.
The couple had a quick spat about what to eat for dinner.
After a brief spat over the seating arrangements, the committee members finally settled down to begin the meeting.
While the media portrayed the disagreement as a major rift, it was in reality a minor spat between two colleagues who had worked together for decades.
From Old English spittan, spætan.
Uncertain; perhaps related to spit.
Shortening of spatterdash, from spatter + dash. 1779.
1804. American English, probably imitative.
Attested from 1823.
From Latin spatium (“space”).
Commonly used with the verb 'have' or 'get into'.