Green’s Dictionary of Slang

slate n.3

[slate v.1 (2)]

an argument, a quarrel; a reprimand, a scolding.

[UK] ‘’Arry on a ’ouseboat’ in Punch 15 Aug. 77/1: Us on ’Opkins’s Ouse-boat [...] cared nix for the ink-spiller’s ‘slate.’.