a short, petty quarrel or dispute, a cloth covering for the instep and ankle, a small amount of food or liquid that is splattered or spilled

put the spat on, spat out, spat up

Formal and Informal Expressions of spat

In different contexts, you can replace 'spat' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'dispute, quarrel' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fight, argument' is a commonplace synonym.

spat: Explore its Definition & Usage

spat Definition

1a short, petty quarrel or dispute
2a cloth covering for the instep and ankle
3a small amount of food or liquid that is splattered or spilled

Using spat: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "spat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The couple had a spat over what movie to watch.
Example
He wore spats with his tuxedo.
Example
She accidentally spilled a spat of coffee on her shirt.

spat Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for spat

Antonyms for spat

Phrases with spat

put the spat on
to end a relationship
Example
After their big spat, they decided to put the spat on their friendship.
spat out
to say something in a quick and angry way
Example
He spat out his words, clearly upset about the situation.
spat up
to vomit
Example
The baby spat up his milk all over his bib.

Origins of spat

from Old Norse 'spǫt', meaning 'taunt'

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Summary: spat in Brief

The term 'spat' [spæt] refers to a short, petty quarrel or dispute, as in 'The couple had a spat over what movie to watch.' It can also refer to a cloth covering for the instep and ankle, or a small amount of food or liquid that is splattered or spilled. The phrase 'put the spat on' means to end a relationship, while 'spat out' means to say something in a quick and angry way.