Etymology Journal · W
Would argue with a fence post
Meaning
- Used to describe a person who is so stubborn or fond of conflict that they will pick a fight with an inanimate object if no human is available. It is a polite way of calling someone a contrarian.
Amused, judgmental
Used in a sentence
- Don't bother debating him, he would argue with a fence post.
- My uncle is so opinionated he would argue with a fence post.
- She is sweet, but she loves to debate and would argue with a fence post.
The backstory
This is a classic rural idiom. It highlights the ridiculousness of arguing with a fence post, which clearly cannot talk back or care about your opinion.
Heard in
The South, Midwest
Vibe check