Your definition of argumentative

And maybe "picking verbal fights for no reason."

Obviously, people who come to discussion boards like this are looking to discuss (or argue), to make a point or possibly convince someone to change their mind. When you run into someone at the water cooler at work, and every discussion turns into a disagreement, a can see where that term might be used.

I'm not saying that's the case for the OP, but I've met people who would disagree with "Nice weather today, isn't it".

People sometimes think my wife is argumentative but she is an astute critical thinker, she will question you on your beliefs...some think it’s an interrogation...but it’s just a firm desire to understand you and your beliefs, opinions.

fact that you are being factual. They have no come back other than personal criticism.

who speak and stand up for themselves.

"Why are you so argumentative?" (aka difficult, pushy, angry, bossy, hostile, defensive, combative, aggressive ...)

Why are you such a bitch? It usually comes from refusing to back down to bullies.

But we've heard them all, haven't we?

Sorry, that's insulting and not argumentative. I guess I can't help. Good luck on your quest.

Most likely is that your coworker doesn't understand the meaning of Argumentative.

Good one!

So they might use that term for someone that does debate.

Then if a person has a vastly different perspective on things than you, and they usually don't explain their position, they might call you argumentative if you asked them to explain themselves.

it's a passive/aggressive tactic.

I see there are different definitions, and as I like working with the person, I wanted to know how, why I was offending him. I had previously looked on Psychology website along w online dictionaries. And the definition seemed to point to a problematic personality. Geesh!

That should answer your question.

That is what it sounds like here.