1925 April 11, "Books", in The New Yorker, page 26,It seems like a fighting insult, but he explains.
1947, Hold That Lion! (film),Them's fighting words in my country!
2003, Marjorie Kelly, The Divine Right of Capital: Dethroning the Corporate Aristocracy, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, ISBN 1576752372, page xi,Those are fighting words, of course, and the people who presently hold the high ground of economic power in society will not be amused.
1860, John Yeardley, Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel Chapter , A good many soldiers, and some officers, were present; but the expression of our dissent from all wars and fightings had not displeased them, for they shook hands with US most kindly.