dick-measuring contest
English edit
Noun edit
dick-measuring contest (plural dick-measuring contests)
- (vulgar, figurative) A situation in which people (usually men) compete, often over superficial characteristics, to demonstrate their worthiness, power, etc.
- 2000, Max Barry, Syrup: A Novel (movie tie-in), Penguin, →ISBN:
- “Because I'm a woman in a dick-measuring contest,” 6 says. “Business is a man's game, and they don't like me playing. Opening my mouth is a challenge to their masculinity.”
- 2008, Gary Don Rhodes, Stanley Kubrick: Essays on His Films and Legacy, McFarland:
- What began as a chance to serve genius— better than diving in to that moat in Zenda, eh, Fred? Degenerates into a vulgar dick-measuring contest: show me your genius and I'll show you mine. Only Kubrick won't play. He keeps his zipped up.
- 2009, David Wong, John Dies at the End, Macmillan, →ISBN, page 153:
- You won't get five feet inside the door with a gun before nine guys in suits tackle you.” / “And shove your head in a vise,” John added, helpfully. / I said, “Well, I don't like our chances without the gun. Unless Jim wants to try to quote Bible verses at it.” / Jennifer put up her hands, said, “Guys, let's not make this a dick-measuring contest, okay?”
- 2011, Sophie Littlefield, Rebirth, Harlequin, →ISBN:
- "Not everyone," the guard retorted. "You have to earn it." / "Yeah, what'd you do to earn it, buddy? Rack up a dozen merit badges? Learn to tie your kerchief in a pretty knot?" / Cass shot him a look. She didn't doubt that Dor was baiting the man on purpose, trying to draw him into a dick-measuring contest so he would be less likely to question their story that they were together.
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see dick, measuring, contest.
Synonyms edit
- (pointless competition or dispute): dick-waving contest, pissing contest, pissing match, pissing war, shitting match
Translations edit
competition to demonstrate worthiness
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