- A phrase indicating that what someone just said is provocative, insulting, or challenging, and likely to cause an argument or physical fight.
- Often said with a mock-serious or genuinely warning tone.
Explanation
Origin
- The grammatically incorrect Them's (instead of Those are) mimics colloquial or uneducated speech, possibly originating from rural or working-class dialects in the US.
- It gained popularity through literature and film depicting such dialects, often used humorously or to signify a character getting riled up.
- The phrase itself highlights the power of words to incite conflict.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- You wanna go? (Direct challenge to fight)
- Say that again? (Implied threat)
- Hold my beer. (Humorous online phrase suggesting the speaker is about to do something foolish or confrontational, often after hearing a challenge or provocative statement)
- Shots fired! (Often used online when someone makes a sharp criticism or insult)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- The fuck did you just say?
- You talking shit?
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal.
- Use cautiously, as even when intended jokingly, it can be misinterpreted if the relationship or context isn't right.
- Avoid in formal settings or serious professional disagreements.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The main point of confusion could be the non-standard grammar (Them's). Explain it's intentional and part of the idiom's flavor.
- Learners might not grasp whether it's intended seriously or humorously without contextual cues like tone of voice and body language.
Examples
- Calling my cooking bland? Them's fighting words! (Said jokingly)
- He insulted my mother? Okay, them's fighting words. (Said seriously)
- You think my team is going to lose? Them's fighting words, buddy! (Mock challenge)
Dialogue
Ava: Seriously, pineapple on pizza is an abomination.
Ben: (Gasps dramatically) Them's fighting words in this household, Ava!
Ava: (Laughing) Okay, okay, maybe just a *minor* food crime.
Ben: That's better. Truce?
Social Media Examples
- Reply to a tweet criticizing a beloved movie: Them's fighting words! That movie is a classic!
- Gaming forum comment: Saying the sniper rifle is useless?? Them's fighting words, mate. It just takes skill.
- Instagram caption on a picture of rival sports team fans: Ran into these guys... Them's fighting words were exchanged (all in good fun!). #rivalry #gameday
Response Patterns
- If said jokingly: Laughter, playful denial (I didn't mean it like that!), escalating the mock argument (Oh yeah? Bring it on!).
- If said seriously: Backtracking (Whoa, easy there, I was just kidding/saying...), standing by the statement (Yeah, I said it.), escalating the confrontation (What are you gonna do about it?).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Joking context: Someone might say Put up your dukes! (old-fashioned call to fight) or make mock fighting gestures.
- Serious context: The person who spoke the fighting words might be challenged (You wanna step outside?). The speaker might prepare for a confrontation or try to de-escalate. Bystanders might intervene.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's always a reaction to something someone else has said.
Intonation
- Can be playful with a light tone and raised eyebrows, stressing fighting.
- Or serious with a lowered voice, narrowed eyes, and stress on both Them's and fighting.
- Example (joking): Them's FIGHTING words!
- Example (serious): THEM'S FIGHTING words.
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations, but the deliberately folksy/incorrect grammar might feel slightly dated or humorous to younger speakers. Older generations might use it more naturally.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English in origin and usage, but understood in other English-speaking regions.