Political Debate Vocabulary

adjective characterized by bitterness or sharpness in speech, behavior, or tone

• The negotiations ended in an acrimonious dispute between the two parties.
• Their argument turned acrimonious very quickly.
• Things got real acrimonious between them.
• The tension in the room was so thick, you could almost taste the acrimonious atmosphere.

adjective relevant or appropriate to a particular subject or situation

• It is important to stay focused on the task at hand and only discuss information that is germane to the topic.
• Let's stick to the point and only talk about things that are relevant.
• Don't go off on a tangent, keep it germane to what we're talking about.
• In order to solve the puzzle, you must only consider clues that are germane to finding the solution.

noun a person who interrupts a speaker or performer with loud, unfriendly comments or questions

verb to interrupt a speaker or performer with loud, unfriendly comments or questions

• The audience was warned not to heckle during the performance.
• I can't believe that guy had the nerve to heckle the speaker!
• The comedian shut down the heckler who was trying to ruin the show.
• The constant heckling from the critics only fueled her determination to succeed.

noun A forum is a place or platform for discussion and exchange of ideas.

adjective Open describes the type of forum, indicating that it is accessible and available for participation.

• The university is hosting an open forum to discuss the proposed changes to the curriculum.
• Let's attend the open forum to share our opinions on the new school policies.
• I heard there's gonna be an open forum about the party this weekend, you coming?
• The town hall meeting served as an open forum for the community to voice their concerns.

noun a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place

verb move to one side; to move out of the way

• Please step aside to allow other passengers to board the train.
• Hey, can you step aside so I can get through?
• Move, dude, step aside!
• Sometimes we need to step aside from our own problems to see the bigger picture.

noun A prolonged and intense struggle or competition

• The two boxers engaged in a fierce slugging match that went on for twelve rounds.
• The fight turned into a real slugging match with both guys throwing punches left and right.
• It was a total slugfest out there, just a non-stop slugging match between the two fighters.
• The debate between the two politicians turned into a verbal slugging match as they attacked each other's policies relentlessly.

noun a physical confrontation or fight, especially a heated or violent one

• The political leaders engaged in a heated stoush during the debate.
• There was a big stoush at the bar last night over who should pay the tab.
• I heard there was a massive stoush at the concert last weekend.
• The stoush between the two companies for market dominance has been ongoing for years.

noun a title of nobility given to certain high-ranking officials in Europe

verb to engage in a physical fight or competition, typically with fists

• The two countries have decided to duke it out in court to settle the dispute.
• I heard John and Mike are going to duke it out over who gets the last slice of pizza.
• Those two are always ready to duke it out over the smallest things.
• The candidates will duke it out in the upcoming election to see who comes out on top.

noun a heated argument or disagreement, typically about a trivial issue

verb to argue or disagree over a trivial matter

• The two parties engaged in a heated quabble over the terms of the contract.
• I heard Sarah and Tom quabble about who should do the dishes last night.
• Why are you always quabbling with your siblings about such trivial matters?
• The constant quabble between heart and mind made it hard for her to make a decision.

noun a physical act of hitting someone with a handbag, typically done in a forceful or aggressive manner

• The politician was accused of handbagging her opponent during the debate.
• She was handbagging him with her sharp remarks.
• She was really handbagging him with her sassy comments.
• Her words were like a relentless handbagging, leaving him speechless.