pilpul
/ˈpɪlpʊl/Chiefly Judaism
noun
Subtle or keen rabbinical argumentation; an instance of this. In extended use: unprofitable argument, quibbling.
Origin
Late 19th century. From post-biblical Hebrew pilpūl from pilpēl to turn to and fro, to dispute; the connection with pilpēl pepper is probably fanciful.