back-and-forthing

noun

back-and-forth·​ing ¦bak-ən(d)-ˈfȯr-thiŋ 

: the exchange of ideas through discussion or debate

… Friday's back-and-forthing had produced an acceptance in principle of 7-of-9 items of dispute.

—Dick Shippy, Miami Herald, 17 July 1988

Stratfor's briefs don't sound like the usual Washington back-and-forthing, whereby agencies avoid dramatic declarations on the chance they might be wrong.

—Sam C. Gwynne, Time, 25 Jan. 1999

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

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