What does spat mean?
“Spat” is an unusual word because it serves both as a grammatical form and as a noun in its own right. As the past tense and past participle of “spit,” it describes the act of ejecting liquid or another substance from the mouth: someone might “spat” after tasting something unexpectedly sour. As a noun, “spat” means a short argument or quarrel, usually one that is brief and comparatively minor. The expression “a verbal spat” is especially common, although the word can also refer to a disagreement expressed through sharp words or signs. In formal writing, “dispute” or “argument” will usually be more neutral, while “spat” conveys a slightly informal and often vivid tone. The word is well established in everyday British and American English, though its noun sense may sound less formal in careful editorial contexts.
The past tense and past participle of “spit,” meaning to propel liquid or another substance from the mouth.
"The child coughed and spat onto the pavement."
In informal contexts, it can also mean to utter words sharply or forcefully, as in “spat out an answer.”
A short, usually minor, quarrel or argument.
"They had a spat over where to park."
Mildly informal; “dispute” or “argument” is more neutral in formal writing.
Used for individual minor quarrels or instances of the noun sense.
"The exchange developed into a series of spats."
Spat has two distinct lives: it is the past of “spit” and the name of a short, sharp quarrel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spat come from?
The verb form comes from “spit,” an Old English word related to words such as “spittle” and “spatter.” The noun meaning “quarrel” developed separately in the modern English period and is now the headword's most frequent standalone use. Its historical connection to the act of spitting is no longer central to that sense.
How spat is actually used
The noun is mildly informal and often suggests a short, heated but relatively minor disagreement. The verb form means precisely that something was ejected or uttered from the mouth.