The AI-powered English dictionary
third-person singular simple present has words, present participle having words, simple past and past participle had words
(idiomatic, of two or more parties) To argue, to have an argument. quotations examples
"It's no treat to me to 'and the dishes when the atmosphere's what you might call electric. .""Did they have words?"Parker shook his head impatiently."That sort don't have words, Ellen. They just sit and goggle."
1920, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 2, in The Little Warrior
(idiomatic, of one party, followed by with) To speak sternly, angrily, or in an argumentative manner to. quotations examples
Clare was for a while protected by the man's unreadiness to have words with his brother, who always took his wife's part.
1890, George MacDonald, chapter 47, in A Rough Shaking
Gratton has had a series of meetings with Toros president John F. Bassett since he quit the Blues last week after having words with coach Garry Young.
1975 December 8, “Gratton, Toros talk”, in Ottawa Citizen, retrieved 24 Aug. 2010
"This man is highly irresponsible," a spokeswoman tells the Post. "We definitely want to have words with him."
2003 December 18, Martin Wainwright, “Happy Chip on a natural high”, in guardian.co.uk, retrieved 24 Aug. 2010