ENGLISH
REFERENCE

static

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈstætɪk// UK //stˈætɪk// stat·ic Slang

n. angry talk, trouble, or a disagreement between people. You use this when someone is trying to start a fight or give you a hard time.

n. interpersonal conflict, opposition, or verbal hostility. Informal and slang in register; often used to describe the tension or 'noise' resulting from a disagreement.


SIMPLE

I don't want any static from you today.

CONTEXTUAL

The two neighbors have been giving each other static ever since the new fence was built.

COMPLEX

The manager tried to implement the new policy without catching too much static from the senior staff who preferred the old system.

Synonyms
Origin

Modern Latin staticus, from Ancient Greek στατικός (statikós), from ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to make stand”). By surface analysis, stasis + -tic.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'give' or 'get' to describe the act of complaining or arguing.

© 2026 English Reference