What does “Trade barbs” mean?
"Trade barbs" means to engage in the act of exchanging insults or critical remarks with someone.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
During the debate, the candidates began to trade barbs about each other's policies.
During the debate, the candidates began to trade barbs about each other's policies.
Example
The two comedians took the stage and started to trade barbs in a friendly roast.
The two comedians took the stage and started to trade barbs in a friendly roast.
Example
The rival soccer teams couldn't help but trade barbs before the big match
The rival soccer teams couldn't help but trade barbs before the big match
Is “Trade barbs” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Trade barbs” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Trade barbs” effectively in context?
You can use "trade barbs" to describe a situation where two or more people engage in a back-and-forth exchange of insults or critical remarks. It often implies a playful or competitive tone. For example, if two friends are teasing each other in a lighthearted manner, you might say, 'They love to trade barbs and keep each other on their toes.'
- 1Debate
During the debate, the candidates began to trade barbs about each other's policies.
During the debate, the candidates began to trade barbs about each other's policies.
- 2Comedy Roast
The two comedians took the stage and started to trade barbs in a friendly roast.
The two comedians took the stage and started to trade barbs in a friendly roast.
- 3Sports Rivalry
The rival soccer teams couldn't help but trade barbs before the big match.
The rival soccer teams couldn't help but trade barbs before the big match.
Similar phrases to “Trade barbs”:
To engage in playful or witty conversation, often involving teasing or joking
Example
The friends enjoyed their banter, constantly trying to one-up each other with clever remarks.
The friends enjoyed their banter, constantly trying to one-up each other with clever remarks.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Trade barbs” come from?
The origin of the phrase "trade barbs" is unknown.
Is “Trade barbs” common in everyday conversation?
"Trade barbs" is a relatively common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where people engage in playful banter or engage in a verbal sparring match.
What tone does “Trade barbs” have?
"Trade barbs" conveys a tone of playful or competitive banter. It is often used in a lighthearted context to describe exchanges of insults or critical remarks that are not meant to be taken too seriously.
Can “Trade barbs” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Trade barbs" is a fairly informal expression that is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, colleagues, or in entertainment settings such as comedy shows or sports events.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The politicians traded barbs during the debate.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "trade barbs"!' to imply readiness for a playful exchange of insults.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- insult each other
- engage in verbal sparring
- exchange critical remarks
- throw insults
- engage in banter
Antonyms
- compliment each other
- praise each other
- speak kindly
- show appreciation
- engage in friendly conversation
