quibble

An argument or objection based on an ambiguity of wording or similar trivial circumstance; a minor complaint.

He harped on his quibble about how the dark red paint should be described as carmine rather than burgundy.

Quibbles […]have no place in the search after truth.

A pun.

Is it a quibble, or play upon words?

This is a quibble between council and counsel. The latter word is still used to imply secrecy; as in the phrase, "keep your own counsel."

To complain or argue in a trivial or petty manner.

They are constantly quibbling over insignificant details.

“Oh, if you talk in that sense!” said Mr. Standish, with as much disgust at such non-legal quibbling as a man can well betray towards a valuable client.

To contest, especially some trivial issue in a petty manner.

The customer quibbled the bill.