chip at
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To argue with (someone); to nag, criticize, insult or tease (someone).
Register: dated, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “chip at” mean?
To argue with (someone); to nag, criticize, insult or tease (someone).
Is “chip at” formal or informal?
chip at is generally dated, slang.