Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pissing-contest

noun

/ˈpɪs.ɪŋ ˌkɒn.tɛst/

Definition

A situation in which two or more people engage in a competitive display of superiority or pride, often over trivial matters.

Examples

During the meeting, it turned into a pissing contest between the two managers, each trying to one-up the other.
Instead of collaborating, their conversation quickly descended into a pissing contest about whose department was more productive.

Meaning

A metaphorical expression used to describe a contest where participants compete to prove who is better, often leading to pointless arguments or conflicts.