Have Words Meaning

(idiomatic, of one party, followed by with) To speak sternly, angrily, or in an argumentative manner to.

Example: 1920, P. G. Wodehouse, The Little Warrior, ch. 2:
  "It's no treat to me to 'and the dishes when the atmosphere's what you might call electric. . . ."
  "Did they have words?"
  Parker shook his head impatiently.
  "That sort don't have words, Ellen. They just sit and goggle."
1890, George MacDonald, A Rough Shaking, ch. 47:
  Clare was for a while protected by the man's unreadiness to have words with his brother, who always took his wife's part.
1975, "Gratton, Toros talk," Ottawa Citizen, 8 Dec. (retrieved 24 Aug. 2010):
  Gratton has had a series of meetings with Toros president John F. Bassett since he quit the Blues last week after having words with coach Garry Young.
2003, Martin Wainwright, "Happy Chip on a natural high," guardian.co.uk, 18 Dec. (retrieved 24 Aug. 2010):
  "This man is highly irresponsible," a spokeswoman tells the Post. "We definitely want to have words with him."