dick-measuring contest
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A situation in which people (usually men) compete, often over superficial characteristics, to demonstrate their worthiness, power, etc.
Register: slang, vulgar
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
“Because I'm a woman in a dick-measuring contest,” 6 says. “Business is a man's game, and they don't like me playing. Opening my mouth is a challenge to their masculinity.”
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “dick-measuring contest” mean?
A situation in which people (usually men) compete, often over superficial characteristics, to demonstrate their worthiness, power, etc.
Is “dick-measuring contest” formal or informal?
dick-measuring contest is generally slang, vulgar.