b-i-c-k-e-r
BICKER means to argue or quarrel petulantly about trivial matters, often in a continuous back-and-forth manner. In word games, it's a valuable 6-letter word featuring the high-scoring K (5 points), making it particularly useful for strategic plays.
14
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
BICKER is a verb that describes the act of arguing or quarreling, typically in a petty or petulant manner over trivial matters. The word captures the essence of continuous, often childish disagreement characterized by repetitive back-and-forth exchanges.
In word games, BICKER is a strategic 6-letter word worth 14 base points in Scrabble. The presence of the K (5 points) makes it particularly valuable for scoring, especially when placed on premium squares.
The word "bicker" derives from Middle English "bikeren," which originally meant "to skirmish" or "to attack." This martial sense gradually softened over time to its modern meaning of petty quarreling.
Related to Middle Dutch "bicken" (to stab or thrust) and possibly connected to "beak," suggesting the pecking motion of birds - a metaphor for repetitive, jabbing arguments.
"The word's evolution from physical combat to verbal sparring reflects how language often softens violent metaphors into everyday expressions."
Studies show that couples who "bicker" regularly but constructively often have healthier relationships than those who avoid all conflict, as it indicates comfort with expressing disagreement.
The word "bicker" appears in Shakespeare's works 12 times, often used to describe both verbal disputes and the flickering of flames - showing its dual meanings were well-established by the 16th century.
In competitive Scrabble, BICKER can form 7 different valid words when adding a single letter: BICKERS, BICKERED, BICKERER (though not all may be in your game's dictionary).
The K in BICKER (worth 5 points) is one of only 5 letters worth 5+ points in Scrabble, making this word particularly valuable despite its common usage.
"The siblings would bicker endlessly about who got to choose the TV channel, their voices rising and falling in familiar patterns."
"The old couple's tendency to bicker over breakfast had become a comforting ritual, each sharp word softened by fifty years of affection."
"Playing BICKER across a double word score while landing the K on a triple letter square netted me 54 points - enough to take the lead!"
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 14 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4
Best used when you can place the K on a premium square. The -ER ending makes it easy to extend existing words.
The concept of "bickering" has become a significant topic in relationship psychology. Research distinguishes between destructive conflict and healthy bickering, with the latter often serving as a pressure release valve in long-term relationships.
"Couples who bicker about small things often avoid larger conflicts. It's the relationships where partners never disagree that therapists worry about most." - Dr. John Gottman
From Shakespeare's "bickering" lovers to modern sitcom couples, the act of bickering has become a literary device representing intimacy through conflict. It often signals comfort and familiarity between characters rather than genuine animosity.
Target the K placement
Always try to land the K (5 points) on a double or triple letter score for maximum impact.
Use the -ER hook
BICKER ends in -ER, making it perfect for extending words like QUICK → QUICKER.
Consider BICKERS
Keep an S handy to pluralize for BICKERS, adding extra points and opening new opportunities.
BICKER
14 base points
BICKERS
15 base points
BICKERED
17 base points
BICKERING
18 base points
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like BICKER