A verbal stoush between two or more parties that is so petty, pointless, misinformed or ill-conceived that it makes witnesses wince with embarrassment, or so uncomfortable that they don't know where to look.
Did you hear those two going off at each other across the table? I just don't want to get involved in these squirmishes.
by KeithMyArthe September 26, 2009
The ex-governor of the cold, northern, non-contiguous state questioned whether the United States might be involved in a squirmish in Libya.
by Pierre Boulez March 30, 2011
A word Sarah Palin used to describe the conflict in Libya. She created it similar to the way she created the word, "Refudiate".
I haven't heard the president state that we're at war. That's why I too am not knowing -- do we use the term intervention? Do we use war? Do we use squirmish? What is it?
by 28lobster March 30, 2011
"Squirmish, huh? Well, that's either some sophisticated foreign policy analysis, or what happens when worms get into a fight." - Jon Stewart
by Beps March 30, 2011
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The esteemed half term Governor Sarah Palin created a new word for the American lexicon during an unsuccessful attempt to discredit U.S. President Barack Obama.
When the words squeamish and skirmish are combined, squirmish is born. A squirmish occurs when one party engages in a fight with another, but with fear, reserve, or lack of enthusiasm instead of bravado, possibly inferring a lack of courage.
Using the word squirmish can be in and of itself a squirmish. For instance, instead of coming out and calling Pres. Obama a coward, Palin used an inference of cowardice, thereby demonstrating what a half-assed attack can look like, and thus a squirmish.
When the words squeamish and skirmish are combined, squirmish is born. A squirmish occurs when one party engages in a fight with another, but with fear, reserve, or lack of enthusiasm instead of bravado, possibly inferring a lack of courage.
Using the word squirmish can be in and of itself a squirmish. For instance, instead of coming out and calling Pres. Obama a coward, Palin used an inference of cowardice, thereby demonstrating what a half-assed attack can look like, and thus a squirmish.
by effusing March 31, 2011
A mispronunciation of skirmish .
Discussing the situation in Libya with Fox News`s Greta Van Susteren, foreign policy expert and noted wordsmith Sarah Palin said, `I haven`t heard the president state that we`re at war. That`s why I too am not knowing -- do we use the term intervention? Do we use war? Do we use squirmish? What is it?`
by notmelbrooks March 31, 2011