An informal spoken-word contest in which one trades insults with someone else about each other and each other's family members, especially their mothers, typically in front of a group. The insults are not meant to be taken seriously. Exclusive to African-American communities. Primarily heard in US. You want to shoot the dozens, son? We'll keep it light, unlike yo' mama, who's pushin' a ton! Playing the dozens is a tradition in this hood.