Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Tink41

(537 posts)
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 09:21 PM Jun 2019

Your definition of argumentative

Recently a co-worker remarked that i was argumentative. I've pondered this for quite awhile, to me it means angrily, debating, bickering, disagreeing. I haven't felt any type of negative feelings since I became an empty nester, 5 yrs ago. So curious what would make you call someone that?

21 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Your definition of argumentative (Original Post) Tink41 Jun 2019 OP
To me not 'angrily' anything, but rather frequently disagreeing and speaking out. elleng Jun 2019 #1
I would say "looking for cause to disagree with someone" ProudLib72 Jun 2019 #2
That's probably closest to my thinking. hughee99 Jun 2019 #10
No negativity at all... N_E_1 for Tennis Jun 2019 #3
Some people will call you a name to shut down the Lint Head Jun 2019 #4
In my experience, it's often used to describe women (especially women of color) StarfishSaver Jun 2019 #5
I've had some people cut right to the chase.... Bayard Jun 2019 #6
You forgot "opinionated." pnwmom Jun 2019 #7
So many words, so little time to write them all StarfishSaver Jun 2019 #13
You'd really like to know, wouldn't you jerk? NightWatcher Jun 2019 #8
We know argumentative and that is not argumentative. kentuck Jun 2019 #12
Yes it is NightWatcher Jun 2019 #15
Now, that is! kentuck Jun 2019 #16
No it's not NightWatcher Jun 2019 #17
:-) kentuck Jun 2019 #18
Some people never get into debates of any kind Beringia Jun 2019 #9
Projection? earthshine Jun 2019 #11
Their need to get you to seek their approval through your tone Baltimike Jun 2019 #14
Thanks all! Tink41 Jun 2019 #19
Check out the Monty Python skit "I want to have an argument." cwydro Jun 2019 #20
Speaking out strongly is sometimes mislabelled. ananda Jun 2019 #21

ProudLib72

(17,984 posts)
2. I would say "looking for cause to disagree with someone"
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 09:35 PM
Jun 2019

And maybe "picking verbal fights for no reason."

hughee99

(16,113 posts)
10. That's probably closest to my thinking.
Mon Jun 10, 2019, 12:15 AM
Jun 2019

Obviously, people who come to discussion boards like this are looking to discuss (or argue), to make a point or possibly convince someone to change their mind. When you run into someone at the water cooler at work, and every discussion turns into a disagreement, a can see where that term might be used.

I'm not saying that's the case for the OP, but I've met people who would disagree with "Nice weather today, isn't it".

N_E_1 for Tennis

(9,593 posts)
3. No negativity at all...
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 09:41 PM
Jun 2019

People sometimes think my wife is argumentative but she is an astute critical thinker, she will question you on your beliefs...some think it’s an interrogation...but it’s just a firm desire to understand you and your beliefs, opinions.

Lint Head

(15,064 posts)
4. Some people will call you a name to shut down the
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 11:19 PM
Jun 2019

fact that you are being factual. They have no come back other than personal criticism.

 

StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
5. In my experience, it's often used to describe women (especially women of color)
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 11:28 PM
Jun 2019

who speak and stand up for themselves.

"Why are you so argumentative?" (aka difficult, pushy, angry, bossy, hostile, defensive, combative, aggressive ...)

Bayard

(21,806 posts)
6. I've had some people cut right to the chase....
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 11:42 PM
Jun 2019

Why are you such a bitch? It usually comes from refusing to back down to bullies.

NightWatcher

(39,343 posts)
8. You'd really like to know, wouldn't you jerk?
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 11:55 PM
Jun 2019

Sorry, that's insulting and not argumentative. I guess I can't help. Good luck on your quest.

Most likely is that your coworker doesn't understand the meaning of Argumentative.

Beringia

(4,314 posts)
9. Some people never get into debates of any kind
Sun Jun 9, 2019, 11:59 PM
Jun 2019

So they might use that term for someone that does debate.

Then if a person has a vastly different perspective on things than you, and they usually don't explain their position, they might call you argumentative if you asked them to explain themselves.

Tink41

(537 posts)
19. Thanks all!
Mon Jun 10, 2019, 08:00 PM
Jun 2019

I see there are different definitions, and as I like working with the person, I wanted to know how, why I was offending him. I had previously looked on Psychology website along w online dictionaries. And the definition seemed to point to a problematic personality. Geesh!

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
20. Check out the Monty Python skit "I want to have an argument."
Mon Jun 10, 2019, 08:02 PM
Jun 2019

That should answer your question.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Your definition of argume...