What Does “Stir the Pot” Mean?

Someone just used the phrase “stir the pot,” but you’re pretty sure they weren’t talking about soup. Good call— “stir the pot” is, in fact, a pretty common expression among fluent English speakers, but it can be a bit confusing to navigate without the right context. We’ve covered everything you need to know about this phrase, so you can be well-informed the next time it pops up in a conversation.

Section 1 of 3:

What does it mean to “stir the pot”?

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“Stir the pot” refers to creating dissent and discomfort in a conversation. Someone who “stirs the pot” usually brings up hot topics and controversial discussions that are sure to make people uncomfortable and on edge.^{[1]XResearch source} It’s not totally clear where this idiom first originated from, but it’s safe to assume that “stirring the pot” references stirring something on the stove (like a soup or stew). Someone might “stir” the pot in a conversation by:
- Mentioning an upcoming election
- Bringing up a really polarizing issue
- Goading someone into an argument
- Spreading gossip that they overhead
- Creating drama among friends and co-workers

Section 2 of 3:

How to Use “Stir the Pot"

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1
Use “stir the pot” to call out someone who is creating tension. Maybe your sibling is needlessly provoking your parents or your friend is spreading hurtful rumors in the group chat. Let them know that you don’t appreciate them “stirring the pot,” and ask that they be a little more considerate of the other people in the situation.
- “Bro, you really have to stop stirring the pot. No one here likes talking about politics LOL”
- “This is neither the time nor place to be discussing this. Please don’t stir the pot!”
2
Use “stir the pot” when referring to a person who enjoys causing needless conflict. Does your classmate love getting a rise out of your peers, or does your cousin like to create drama at family gatherings? Whenever you’re mentioning this person in conversation, explain how they love to “stir the pot” and keep tensions high.
- “Watch out for Andy—he really loves to stir the pot.”
- “Be careful talking politics with Aunt Jasmine. She always stirs the pot at our family’s holiday party.”

Section 3 of 3:

Is it bad to “stir the pot”?

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Yes, it’s bad to stir the pot if you’re trying to upset people. There’s nothing wrong with talking about a topic that’s important to you, but it’s never a good idea to bring something up for the sole purpose of making someone mad. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes before sharing something potentially upsetting or “stirring”—how would you feel if someone kept provoking you with uncomfortable topics? Treat other people with the same respect you’d like to receive.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Let’s say you and your grandma have completely different political views. You’d definitely be stirring the pot if you brought up a recent court case or news byte that related to an issue that you both disagree on.
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No, it’s not bad to stir the pot if you’re trying to have an educational conversation. Maybe your school has a really unfair policy in place—stirring the pot and starting a discussion about this unfair rule could force school administrators to take a more critical look at it. There’s nothing wrong with stirring the pot if you’re trying to educate rather than provoke.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If your family is really misinformed about a certain topic, it could be worth “stirring the pot” and offering your opinion and perspective.
- If you see a potentially harmful belief being spread on social media, you could politely reply and explain why the opinion/belief is incorrect.

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The expression “stir the pot” doesn’t have any clear origin, but it might refer to the way “stirring a pot” can bring food to the surface, just like “stirring the pot” in a conversation brings unpleasant topics to the surface.
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