quibble
/ˈkwɪbəl/ · quib·ble
noun
- A pun. The comedian's quibble about the word 'bank' as a financial institution and a riverbank was a hit with the audience.
- An objection or argument based on an ambiguity of wording or similar trivial circumstance; a minor complaint. He harped on his quibble about how the dark red paint should be described as carmine rather than burgundy.
verb
- To complain or argue in a trivial or petty manner. They are constantly quibbling over insignificant details.
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Did you know? The word 'quibble' is often associated with the English playwright and poet Ben Jonson, who used it in his 1605 play 'Volpone' to describe a character's petty complaints.