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.
