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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

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