Flyting

Flyting is a verbal duel in verse, usually a back-and-forth exchange of insults between two poets or speakers. It was especially popular in medieval and early modern Scottish literature, where the point was not just to attack an opponent but to do so with wit, rhythm, and verbal skill.

Flyting often works like a performance piece: each side tries to outdo the other with sharper mockery, clever insults, and comic exaggeration.

Example

You strut like a rooster in a puddle of rain;
I step once, and your whole proud speech goes plain.
You call me small? Then listen to the fact:
My short words hit harder than your grand attack.

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