WordGarden.iochicken
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈɪkɪn/
US
- /ˈtʃɪkən/
Meanings
Noun
a domesticated bird kept for eggs or meat
meat from a chicken eaten as food
a person regarded as cowardly
More meaningsFewer meanings
a contest or standoff in which people test who will give way first
Adjective
afraid to do something; cowardly
Verb
to lose nerve and avoid doing something
Beyond the definition
"Chicken" most famously refers to the domestic fowl we raise for eggs and meat—that clucking bird in the barnyard! But it's also a surprisingly versatile word. It is frequently used as an informal label for someone who is afraid or lacks courage, such as telling a friend, "Don't be chicken!" when encouraging them to try something daring. And, of course, "chicken" is a culinary staple. Whether it is fried, grilled, or roasted, it is one of the most popular meats served at dinner tables worldwide.
The origin of using "chicken" to mean cowardly likely stems from the bird's reputation for being easily startled; it tends to flee from perceived threats rather than confront them. So, the next time someone calls you a chicken, remember they are comparing you (perhaps a bit unfairly!) to a very cautious bird.
The word "chicken" has a fascinating triple life! First and foremost, it refers to Gallus gallus domesticus, the common domesticated fowl. From crispy fried drumsticks to a comforting bowl of chicken soup, this bird is a central ingredient in cuisines across the globe. You might see chickens pecking around a farmyard or find the word featured prominently on almost every restaurant menu.
Beyond the farm and the kitchen, "chicken" serves as a common insult for someone perceived as cowardly. To "chicken out" of a situation means to withdraw from a commitment or challenge due to fear. This usage likely stems from the observation that chickens are easily frightened and will quickly scurry away from danger. This has even evolved into the "game of chicken," a dangerous test of nerves where two parties head toward a confrontation to see who will swerve or blink first.
Finally, "chicken" appears in several specific English phrases and compound words. There is "chickenpox," the common infectious childhood illness, and "chicken feed," a term used to describe a pathetically small amount of money. You might also hear someone described as "no spring chicken," meaning they are no longer young, or talk about a "chicken-and-egg problem," a situation where it’s hard to tell what caused what.
So, whether you're discussing a delicious dinner, a test of bravery, or a viral infection, the word "chicken" is surprisingly multifaceted. It serves as a reminder that our language is often rooted in the observation of the natural world—with a healthy dose of playful teasing mixed in!
Examples
- 1
Backyard animals
We keep a few chickens in the backyard for eggs.
- 2
Food
We had chicken and rice for dinner.
- 3
Cooking
The recipe says to roast the chicken for about an hour.
- 4
Insult
Don’t be such a chicken. Just ask the teacher.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Too scared
I was too chicken to speak in front of the whole class.
- Patternbe too chicken to do X
be too scared to do it
- 6
Backing out
He said he would jump first, but he chickened out at the last minute.
- Phrasechicken out
decide not to do something because you are scared
- 7
Risky game
The two boys were playing chicken with their bikes in the street.
- Phraseplay chicken
do something dangerous to see who gives up first
- 8
Fear of flying
She may look tough, but she’s really a bit chicken about flying.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- chickennounverbadjective
Forms
- chickenspluralnounverbadjective
- chickenedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- chickening-ing formverbnounadjective