Question

Writing about converstaion in which the speaker is talking about "duking it out". Is this a familiar enough statement that the correct spelling will suffice or do I need to say duke-ing in order for the reader to understand without a double take?

Answer 1

I think most people will know what it means. You shouldn't have to change the spelling.

Answer 2

I think in scenarios where there is doubt about what you mean, then quote the word as it appears in the text, and then later, when analyzing or discussing the quote, use a more understandable synonym. Like in the next sentence, you could say something about the speaker fighting or having an altercation, so the readers who did not catch the meaning of duking will be able to infer what it means.