Here's a breakdown of its journey:
* Old French (12th-14th century): "bicquer" (to quarrel, fight)
* Middle English (14th-15th century): "bikeren" (to quarrel, wrangle)
* Modern English: "bicker" (to argue or quarrel in a petty or nagging way)
The term likely evolved from the idea of "fighting with sharp objects," as "bic" in Old French also meant "a sharp pointed object."
Interestingly, the term "bicker" isn't just limited to arguments between people. It can also refer to small, rapid movements, like the flickering of a flame or the rapid flow of water. This connection to movement further emphasizes the sense of back-and-forth, rapid exchanges that characterize bickering.