Your definition of argumentative

[Tink41]

Recently a co-worker remarked that i was argumentative. I've pondered this for quite awhile, to me it means angrily, debating, bickering, disagreeing. I haven't felt any type of negative feelings since I became an empty nester, 5 yrs ago. So curious what would make you call someone that?

[elleng]

1. To me not 'angrily' anything, but rather frequently disagreeing and speaking out.

[ProudLib72]

2. I would say "looking for cause to disagree with someone"

And maybe "picking verbal fights for no reason."

[hughee99]

10. That's probably closest to my thinking.

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".

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

3. No negativity at all...

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.

[Lint Head]

4. Some people will call you a name to shut down the

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

[StarfishSaver]

5. In my experience, it's often used to describe women (especially women of color)

who speak and stand up for themselves.

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

[Bayard]

6. I've had some people cut right to the chase....

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

[pnwmom]

7. You forgot "opinionated."

[StarfishSaver]

13. So many words, so little time to write them all

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

[NightWatcher]

8. You'd really like to know, wouldn't you jerk?

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.

[kentuck]

12. We know argumentative and that is not argumentative.

[NightWatcher]

15. Yes it is

[kentuck]

16. Now, that is!

[NightWatcher]

17. No it's not

[kentuck]

18. :-)

Good one!

[Beringia]

9. Some people never get into debates of any kind

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.

[earthshine]

11. Projection?

[Baltimike]

14. Their need to get you to seek their approval through your tone

it's a passive/aggressive tactic.

[Tink41]

19. Thanks all!

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!

[cwydro]

20. Check out the Monty Python skit "I want to have an argument."

That should answer your question.

[ananda]

21. Speaking out strongly is sometimes mislabelled.

That is what it sounds like here.