When
people argue about the
definition or meaning of a word. This usually starts in the middle of an argument and distracts from the main topic of the argument. Whether done intentionally or not depends on the
people arguing.
When an argument deteriorates and its focus becomes
one about word definitions rather than the main topic, a person will usually say "Oh, now we're just arguing semantics". Usually by this point, the arguement has become a waste of
time because it has morphed into a bunch of bickering about irrelevant, unimportant details rather than the original main point.
If someone accuses you of arguing semantics, they're usually accusing you of intentionally avoiding the topic. In this
case, the person may or may not be misusing the phrase in order to do so. If you're not actually arguing about word definitions, then they should accuse you of being
nit-picky instead (as that would be more accurate) but to explain it to this degree becomes a bit nit-picky in and of itself and so for obvious reasons, this is the end.
Jenny: Hey Tommy, did you do your
homework?
Tommy: I would never do my
homework.
Jenny: What do you mean? You always do your
homework!
Tommy: No, I would never "do" my homework - that would be gross. But if you want to know if I completed my homework...
Jenny: Oh, please. Spare me. Now you're just arguing semantics.
