verb to quibble over insignificant details or argue in a petty way
In political discussions, 'pettifog' may be used to describe politicians or commentators who engage in deceptive or manipulative tactics to win arguments or influence public opinion.
In legal contexts, 'pettifog' is used to describe the act of engaging in petty or unethical legal practices, such as using underhanded tactics or arguing trivial points to win a case.
In debating circles, 'pettifog' is used to criticize someone for engaging in overly technical or trivial arguments rather than addressing the main issue at hand.
In legal writing, a writer may use the term 'pettifog' to describe lawyers who engage in petty or unethical tactics.
A psychologist may use the term 'pettifog' to describe someone who is overly argumentative or nitpicky during therapy sessions.
Lawyers may use the term 'pettifog' to refer to their opponents who use underhanded tactics or engage in frivolous arguments.
Politicians may accuse their opponents of pettifogging when they believe they are using deceptive or manipulative tactics in debates or campaigns.
Journalists may use the term 'pettifog' to criticize public figures who dodge questions or engage in misleading rhetoric during interviews.
Teachers may use the term 'pettifog' to describe students who try to distract from the main point of a lesson by focusing on minor details or technicalities.
A business executive may use the term 'pettifog' to criticize competitors who engage in unethical business practices or use legal loopholes to gain an advantage.