Top 27 Slang For Fight – Meaning & Usage

Fights have been a part of human history since the beginning of time, and with fights comes a whole new world of slang and expressions. Whether it’s a physical altercation or a verbal clash, we’ve got you covered with the top slang words and phrases to describe a fight. From throw down to brawl, get ready to arm yourself with the language of combat and impress your friends with your fighting vocabulary.

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1. Throw hands

This phrase is commonly used to describe getting into a fight or physically fighting someone. It implies using one’s fists as the primary form of attack or defense.

For example, “Those two guys were arguing, and then they started throwing hands.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “The players on the opposing teams threw hands after a heated exchange on the court.”
A person might warn their friend, “If that guy keeps disrespecting you, you might have to throw hands.”

2. Knock someone out

This phrase refers to delivering a powerful punch that causes someone to lose consciousness or be incapacitated. It suggests a forceful and decisive hit that ends the fight.

For instance, “He threw a punch and knocked the other guy out cold.”
In a boxing match, a commentator might say, “He landed a devastating blow and knocked his opponent out.”
A friend might brag, “I once knocked someone out with a single punch.”

3. Put up their dukes

This phrase is often used to describe someone assuming a fighting stance or getting ready to engage in a physical altercation. It refers to the action of raising one’s fists in a defensive position.

For example, “When the other guy approached, he put up his dukes.”
In a movie scene, a character might say, “Come on, put up your dukes and let’s settle this.”
A person might encourage someone by saying, “If you’re going to fight, at least put up your dukes and defend yourself.”

4. Scuffle

This term describes a short and chaotic fight involving physical aggression and close contact. It suggests a less intense or serious fight compared to a full-blown brawl.

For instance, “There was a scuffle between two fans at the soccer match.”
In a news report, it might be mentioned, “A scuffle broke out between protesters and the police.”
A witness might describe the situation as, “It started as a verbal argument but quickly escalated into a scuffle.”

5. Skirmish

This word refers to a small-scale fight or conflict that is often unexpected or spontaneous. It implies a brief and limited engagement between individuals or groups.

For example, “The two groups of fans got into a skirmish outside the stadium.”
In a historical context, it might be said, “There were frequent skirmishes between rival tribes.”
A witness might recall, “I saw a skirmish break out between two coworkers during a heated argument.”

6. Smackdown

A “smackdown” refers to a highly intense confrontation or fight between two or more individuals. It often implies a physical altercation with the intention of asserting dominance or settling a dispute. The term is commonly used in informal or colloquial settings.

For example, “He challenged his opponent to a smackdown in the ring.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “If you keep pushing me, it’s gonna be a smackdown.”
A sports commentator might describe a fierce competition as a “smackdown” between two rival teams.

7. Dust up

A “dust up” is a term used to describe a minor altercation or fight between individuals. It typically implies a brief and less serious conflict, often involving a few punches or shoving. The term is often used in casual conversations or to downplay the severity of a confrontation.

For instance, “There was a dust up between two players on the basketball court.”
In a bar brawl, someone might say, “It started as a small dust up, but quickly escalated.”
Two friends playfully wrestling could be described as having a “friendly dust up.”

8. Gank

To “gank” someone means to ambush or overpower them, often in a sudden and unexpected manner. The term is commonly used in gaming communities to describe the act of attacking or defeating another player with a significant advantage or element of surprise.

For example, “He got ganked by a group of enemy players while exploring the virtual world.”
In a competitive game, a player might warn their teammates, “Careful, they might gank us from the jungle.”
A gamer boasting about their skills might say, “I can gank anyone who crosses my path.”

9. Swindle

To “swindle” someone means to deceive or cheat them, often in a financial or transactional context. While not directly related to physical fighting, the term can be used metaphorically to describe being taken advantage of or being involved in a situation where one feels cheated or manipulated.

For instance, “He felt swindled after buying a counterfeit product.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might say, “Don’t fall for their tricks, they’ll swindle you out of your money.”
A person sharing a personal experience might say, “I got swindled by a smooth-talking salesperson.”

10. Beef

In slang, “beef” refers to a conflict or dispute between individuals or groups. It can encompass various types of disagreements, ranging from verbal arguments to physical altercations. The term is often used to describe ongoing or unresolved conflicts.

For example, “They’ve had beef ever since that incident at the party.”
In a discussion about rivalries, someone might say, “The beef between those two teams is intense.”
A person venting about a disagreement might say, “I have beef with my neighbor over their loud music.”

11. Throw bows

This phrase is slang for throwing punches or engaging in a physical fight. It can also refer to someone who is ready to fight or confrontational.

For example, “Those two guys were about to throw bows in the parking lot.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “If you keep disrespecting me, we’re gonna throw bows.”
A friend might warn another, “Don’t mess with him, he’s always ready to throw bows.”

12. Swing

To “swing” is slang for throwing punches or engaging in a physical fight. It can also be used to describe someone who is aggressive or confrontational.

For instance, “He started swinging at anyone who got in his way.”
In a discussion about self-defense, someone might say, “If you’re ever in danger, don’t be afraid to swing.”
A witness to a fight might describe it as, “They were swinging at each other, landing blow after blow.”

13. Beat down

To “beat down” is slang for delivering a severe physical attack or overpowering someone in a fight. It can also describe a one-sided fight where one person easily defeats the other.

For example, “He got beat down by a group of bullies.”
In a conversation about a fight, someone might say, “He gave him a brutal beat down.”
A news report might describe an incident as, “The victim suffered a vicious beat down at the hands of his attackers.”

14. Rumble

A “rumble” is slang for a physical fight or brawl, often involving multiple people. It can be used to describe a planned or spontaneous fight between rival groups or individuals.

For instance, “There was a rumble between the two gangs last night.”
In a discussion about street fights, someone might say, “I’ve seen a few rumbles break out in this neighborhood.”
A witness to a fight might describe it as, “It turned into a full-on rumble, with people throwing punches from every direction.”

15. Tussle

A “tussle” is slang for a minor or brief physical fight or scuffle. It can also be used to describe a struggle or disagreement that turns physical.

For example, “They had a tussle over who would get the last slice of pizza.”
In a conversation about sibling rivalries, someone might say, “My brother and I used to tussle all the time.”
A witness to a fight might describe it as, “It started as a tussle between two guys, but quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl.”

16. Showdown

A showdown refers to a confrontational situation or event where two or more individuals or groups face off against each other. It often implies a high-stakes or decisive encounter.

For example, “The two rival gangs had a showdown in the alley.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The championship game is going to be a showdown between the two best teams.”
A person discussing a heated argument might say, “Things got intense and it turned into a showdown.”

17. Clash

Clash refers to a conflict or confrontation between two or more individuals or groups. It implies a strong disagreement or opposition.

For instance, “The protesters clashed with the police during the demonstration.”
In a political context, one might say, “The two candidates clashed during the debate.”
A person describing a heated argument might say, “They clashed over their differing opinions.”

18. Throw down

To throw down means to engage in a fight or physical altercation. It suggests a willingness or readiness to fight.

For example, “The two boxers are about to throw down in the ring.”
In a street fight scenario, one might say, “He challenged him to throw down.”
A person describing a fight might say, “They started throwing down punches.”

19. Mix it up

To mix it up means to get involved in a fight or physical altercation. It implies an active participation in the fight.

For instance, “He decided to mix it up with the bully to defend himself.”
In a bar fight scenario, one might say, “People started mixing it up after a heated argument.”
A person describing a brawl might say, “Everyone was mixing it up, throwing punches left and right.”

20. Scrap

Scrap is a colloquial term for a fight or physical altercation. It implies a rough or aggressive nature of the fight.

For example, “They got into a scrap over a disagreement.”
In a schoolyard fight scenario, one might say, “The two kids ended up in a scrap.”
A person describing a street fight might say, “It turned into a full-on scrap with people throwing punches.”

21. Fracas

A noisy and chaotic fight or altercation. “Fracas” is often used to describe a physical fight that involves multiple people and is marked by loud shouting and commotion.

For example, “The bar erupted into a fracas after two patrons got into an argument.”
In a news report about a street fight, a journalist might write, “A fracas broke out between rival gangs, resulting in several injuries.”
A witness might recount, “I saw a fracas outside the school, with students throwing punches and screaming at each other.”

22. Square up

To prepare oneself for a physical confrontation or fight. The phrase “square up” implies getting into a position or mindset ready for combat.

For instance, “He told me to square up, so I knew a fight was about to happen.”
In a movie scene, a character might say, “You wanna square up? Let’s do this.”
A friend might advise, “If someone threatens you, make sure to square up and defend yourself.”

23. Duke it out

To engage in a physical battle or fight, often with an implication of a prolonged or intense struggle. “Duke it out” is an expression suggesting a determined and aggressive fight.

For example, “The two boxers duked it out in the ring for twelve rounds.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “If you have a problem with me, let’s duke it out like adults.”
A sports commentator might describe a competitive match as, “The teams are ready to duke it out for the championship title.”

24. Go at it

To engage in a fight or argument, often with a sense of intensity or aggression. “Go at it” can refer to a physical fight or a verbal confrontation.

For instance, “The siblings went at it over who would get the last piece of cake.”
In a video of a street fight, a bystander might yell, “They’re really going at it!”
A colleague might describe a heated debate as, “We went at it for hours, arguing different viewpoints.”

25. Knuckle up

To prepare oneself for a physical fight, specifically by clenching one’s fists in readiness. “Knuckle up” implies a readiness to engage in hand-to-hand combat.

For example, “He told me to knuckle up, so I knew I had to defend myself.”
In a self-defense class, an instructor might say, “Always be prepared to knuckle up if you’re in danger.”
A friend might advise, “If someone threatens you, make sure to knuckle up and show them you’re not an easy target.”

26. Dust-up

A “dust-up” refers to a small or minor fight or argument between two or more people. It can also be used to describe a brief scuffle or physical altercation.

For instance, “There was a dust-up between two players during the basketball game.”
In a discussion about neighborhood disputes, someone might say, “Things got heated and turned into a dust-up.”
A person describing a physical fight might say, “They got into a dust-up outside the bar.”

27. Knockdown drag-out

A “knockdown drag-out” is a term used to describe a violent and intense fight or brawl. It implies a fight that involves a lot of physical aggression and possibly results in serious injuries.

For example, “They got into a knockdown drag-out over a disagreement.”
In a story about a bar fight, someone might say, “It turned into a knockdown drag-out with chairs flying.”
A person describing a chaotic fight might say, “It was a knockdown drag-out, with people throwing punches left and right.”