barney
|bar-ney|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈbɑrni/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɑːni/
short noisy quarrel
Etymology
Etymology Information
'barney' originates from British rhyming slang, specifically the phrase 'Barney Rubble', where 'Barney Rubble' meant 'trouble'.
Historical Evolution
'barney' changed from the rhyming slang phrase 'Barney Rubble' (used to mean 'trouble') and was shortened to 'barney', coming to be used for a quarrel or noisy argument in informal speech.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'trouble' in rhyming slang, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a quarrel or noisy argument'.
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Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a noisy argument or quarrel, especially a short, angry disagreement (chiefly British informal).
They had a barney about who should pay the bill.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/17 16:46