CHICKEN Meaning and
Definition
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Chicken is a noun that typically refers to a domesticated, flightless bird raised for its meat and eggs. It belongs to the species Gallus gallus domesticus and is one of the most commonly consumed poultry worldwide. Known for its white or light-colored feathers, beak, and comb, the chicken has a relatively short and plump body with wings used primarily for balance and maintaining stability while walking or running.
However, "chicken" also has broader meanings beyond the avian species. As a culinary term, it can describe the meat of a chicken used in various dishes, known for its mild and versatile flavor. It is highly popular due to its relatively low fat content and tender, succulent texture when cooked.
In a colloquial sense, "chicken" can also refer to an individual who is considered timid, cowardly, or lacking in courage. This usage originated from the tendency of chickens to be easily startled or frightened, often fleeing from perceived threats. This figurative meaning can be extended to describe someone who avoids taking risks, confrontations, or challenges, exhibiting a lack of bravery in facing difficult or intimidating situations.
Furthermore, "chicken" has found its way into several idiomatic expressions and phrases. For instance, the term "playing chicken" refers to a dangerous game or test of nerve where two individuals or entities approach each other head-on, mutually risking harm or damage by refusing to yield or submit.
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The young of the domestic cock and hen; a child; a word of endearment.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CHICKEN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHICKEN
Etymology of CHICKEN
The word "chicken" comes from the Old English word "cicen", which has Germanic origins. It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ki-,kij-" which referred to young birds. This term is further linked to the Old Norse word "kjuklingr" and Middle Low German word "kükelinc", both of which also meant "chicken". The word eventually evolved into "chicken" in Middle English.
Idioms with the word CHICKEN
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play chicken
The idiom "play chicken" refers to a reckless or dangerous game in which two participants engage in a contest of nerve or bravery, typically involving vehicles (cars, bicycles, etc.). The participants aim to see who can withstand the longest before swerving or yielding to avoid a collision. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where two parties engage in a high-stakes showdown or confrontation, pushing each other to the limits to prove their resolve.
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chicken feed
The idiom "chicken feed" typically refers to a small or insignificant amount of money or something that is of little value or importance.
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chicken out
The idiom "chicken out" means to back down or withdraw from a difficult, risky, or challenging situation due to fear or lack of courage. It implies a sense of backing away from one's commitments or responsibilities because of apprehension or cowardice.
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spring chicken
The idiom "spring chicken" is used to describe someone who is young or inexperienced in a particular field or activity, often implying that they lack knowledge or expertise. It is derived from the idea of a young chicken freshly hatched in the spring, which is tender and less mature compared to an older chicken.
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you're chicken
The idiom "you're chicken" refers to calling someone cowardly or lacking in courage. It suggests that the person is afraid or hesitant to take risks or face challenging situations.
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run round like a headless chicken
To "run round like a headless chicken" means to act in a frantic and disorganized manner, often in a situation of chaos or panic, without any clear direction or purpose. It evokes the image of a chicken that has been decapitated but continues to run aimlessly. This idiom highlights the lack of focus, rationality, or control in someone's actions or behavior.
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chicken out on (one)
The idiom "chicken out on (one)" refers to someone's act of backing out of a situation, commitment, or challenge due to fear, lack of courage, or apprehension. It implies someone's unwillingness to follow through with something they initially agreed to or intended to do.
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chicken and egg situation
The idiom "chicken and egg situation" refers to a dilemma or problem where it is unclear which came first or what should come first, making it difficult to determine a cause and effect relationship. It implies a circular or self-perpetuating situation where it is unclear which event or factor is the cause and which is the effect.
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be no spring chicken
The idiom "be no spring chicken" is a humorous way to indicate that someone is not young anymore, often implying that they are past their prime or not as fit or energetic as they used to be.
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(one's) (hand)writing is like chicken scratch
The idiom "(one's) (hand)writing is like chicken scratch" is used to describe someone's handwriting as messy, sloppy, or difficult to read. It implies that the person's handwriting resembles the haphazard marks made by a chicken scratching the ground.
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no spring chicken
The idiom "no spring chicken" refers to someone who is not young or no longer in their prime. It implies that the person is not as physically or mentally agile as they once were.
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be running around like a headless chicken
The idiom "be running around like a headless chicken" means to be extremely busy, frantic, or disorganized, often without clear direction or purpose. It conveys a sense of someone behaving in a chaotic manner, similar to the way a chicken may run aimlessly after its head has been severed.
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chicken shit
The idiom "chicken shit" refers to someone or something that is considered insignificant, worthless, or cowardly. It can describe actions, behavior, or situations that are deemed trivial, unimportant, or lacking courage. This term is often used colloquially or informally to convey a sense of disdain or frustration.
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running (or rushing) about like a headless chicken
The idiom "running (or rushing) about like a headless chicken" means to act or behave in a frantic or disorganized manner, without clear direction or purpose. It refers to the frenzied and haphazard movements of a chicken that has been beheaded, which continues to run and flap uncontrollably.
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run around like a chicken with its head cut off and run in circles
The idiom "run around like a chicken with its head cut off" refers to someone who is behaving frenziedly or aimlessly, often in a state of panic or confusion. It implies a lack of control or direction in a person's actions, similar to the disorientated movement of a decapitated chicken.
On the other hand, "run in circles" describes repetitive or unproductive behavior, symbolizing someone going through the same motions or actions without achieving any meaningful progress or accomplishing their goals.
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like a headless chicken
The idiom "like a headless chicken" refers to someone behaving erratically, aimlessly, or in a panicked manner, often due to confusion, lack of direction, or being overwhelmed by a situation. It portrays a sense of chaotic and unproductive behavior, similar to the way a chicken would move aimlessly and uncontrollably if it were decapitated.
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a chicken and egg situation
The idiom "a chicken and egg situation" refers to a scenario where it is difficult to determine which event or action occurred first and which one caused the other. It poses a circular or mutually dependent problem where it is unclear which element came first, much like the dilemma of determining whether the chicken or the egg came first in the natural world.
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run around like a chicken with its head cut off
The idiom "run around like a chicken with its head cut off" means to behave in a frantic, disorganized, or aimless manner, often in response to a stressful or panicked situation. It implies an absence of logic or purpose, similar to a decapitated chicken running around in confusion.
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no chicken
The idiom "no chicken" typically refers to a situation or event where there is a lack of courage, bravery, or willingness to take risks. It implies that someone is timid, hesitant, or afraid to engage in an action or face a challenge.
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rubber chicken dinner
The idiom "rubber chicken dinner" refers to a clichéd and less-than-appealing meal typically served at large events or conferences. It implies that the food provided is of low quality, often mass-produced, and lacks taste or freshness. The term is usually used in a humorous or sarcastic manner to express disappointment with the food served at such events.
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chicken out of something
The idiom "chicken out of something" means to withdraw from or back down from a situation or task due to fear, cowardice, or lack of courage. It implies avoiding an action or responsibility that one initially agreed to or intended to do.
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have (hand)writing like chicken scratch
The idiom "have (hand)writing like chicken scratch" means to have very messy or illegible handwriting. It suggests that a person's writing resembles the unorganized, irregular markings left by a chicken's scratching.
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choke the chicken
The idiom "choke the chicken" is a vulgar slang phrase often used to refer to the act of male masturbation.
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chicken out on sm
To "chicken out on sm" is an idiom that means to back out or retreat from a challenging or difficult situation due to fear, lack of courage, or hesitation. It implies a lack of willingness to face the consequences or follow through with a commitment.
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one day chicken and the next day feathers
The idiom "one day chicken and the next day feathers" is used to describe a sudden and dramatic shift in circumstances, particularly from a state of abundance or prosperity to one of scarcity or loss. It suggests how quickly situations can change, emphasizing inconsistency, unpredictability, and the contrast between two extreme outcomes.
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like a chicken with its head cut off
The idiom "like a chicken with its head cut off" refers to someone who is behaving in a frantic, disorganized, or aimless manner. It suggests that the person is acting with little thought or coherence, similar to how a decapitated chicken would move in a panicked and uncontrolled way.
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running around like a headless chicken
The idiom "running around like a headless chicken" is used figuratively to describe someone who is behaving in a frantic, disorganized, and purposeless manner, often in response to a stressful or chaotic situation. It implies that the person is acting without thinking or planning, similar to how a chicken would run aimlessly if its head were removed.
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a chicken in every pot
The idiom "a chicken in every pot" refers to a promise or a desire for widespread prosperity and abundance, often associated with political campaigns or economic promises. It signifies the idea that every person or household will have enough food or material comfort.
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running about like a headless chicken
The idiom "running about like a headless chicken" refers to someone who is acting or behaving in a chaotic, frenzied, or disorganized manner, often without any clear purpose or direction. It suggests a lack of control, focus, or strategy in one's actions, similar to a chicken running around aimlessly after its head has been removed.
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chicken and egg
The idiom "chicken and egg" refers to a situation where it is difficult to determine which one came first or caused the other, leading to a circular or mutually dependent relationship.
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run around like a chicken with its head cut off and run (around) in circles
The idiom "run around like a chicken with its head cut off" refers to someone running or moving around in a frantic, disorganized, or aimless manner. It implies a lack of focus, direction, or logical thinking. Similarly, the phrase "run around in circles" signifies engaging in repetitive, unproductive, or futile actions without making any progress or achieving desired results. Both idioms convey the idea of busyness or activity without purpose or effectiveness.
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chicken out (of sth)
The idiom "chicken out (of sth)" means to decide not to do something or to back out at the last moment because of fear, nervousness, or lack of courage.
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chicken out on
The idiom "chicken out on" means to back out or withdraw from a commitment, task, or challenge due to fear, lack of courage, or reluctance.
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chicken hearted
The idiom "chicken-hearted" refers to someone who is easily frightened, timid, or lacking courage. It is typically used to describe individuals who are scared or hesitant to take risks or face challenges.
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run around like a headless chicken
The idiom "run around like a headless chicken" means to act or behave in a frantic, disorganized, or chaotic manner, without direction, purpose, or control. It is often used to describe someone who is extremely busy, panicking, or acting in a frenzied state without being able to make rational decisions or accomplish tasks effectively. The phrase draws an analogy to a chicken that continues to move even after its head has been removed, indicating aimless or scattered behavior.
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be running around like a chicken with its head cut off
The idiom "be running around like a chicken with its head cut off" means to be in a state of extreme panic, confusion, or disarray, often resulting in unproductive or aimless behavior. It implies a sense of being overwhelmed or losing control of a situation. The expression originates from the erratic movements of a decapitated chicken, which continue for a short while due to residual nerve activity.
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for chicken feed
The idiom "for chicken feed" means to do something for a small or insignificant amount of money, or to receive a very low payment or reward for a task or job. It can also refer to something that is of little value or importance.
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chicken fillet
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chicken powder
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like a chicken with the pip
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count chicken
Count your chickens before they hatch means to make plans based on something that may not happen or is not certain.
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like a hen with one chick (or chicken)
The idiom "like a hen with one chick (or chicken)" refers to someone who is overly protective, worried, or attentive, often in a smothering or suffocating way.
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a chicken-and-egg situation, problem, etc.
The idiom "a chicken-and-egg situation, problem, etc." refers to a situation where it is unclear which came first or caused the other, making it difficult to determine a clear cause-and-effect relationship. It is often used to describe a circular or unresolved problem where it is unclear which factor is the cause and which is the effect.
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a chicken-and-egg problem
A chicken-and-egg problem is a situation where it is impossible to determine which came first or what caused what, making it difficult to solve or understand the issue at hand.
Similar spelling words for CHICKEN
- Chechen,
- SHCONN,
- shakin,
- chicken-breast,
- Chicken-pepper,
- Chechenia,
- Shiggaion,
- chakan,
- chaykin,
- chaconia,
- Chaconne,
- Chiquin,
- Chicana,
- shikan-taza,
- chicken-heartedness,
- chicken-feed,
- shogan,
- chiquinho,
- Shecaniah,
- shiquan,
- Blood-shaken,
- Chicano,
- schukin,
- Chicken-hearted,
- Chacoon,
- shokeen,
- Chekan,
- chikane,
- shuqin,
- Chicken-tea,
- chick,
- shaiken,
- shikken,
- chikan,
- chicken-liveredness,
- chugani,
- Tiakenya,
- chaikin,
- chickened,
- chicken-hawk,
- chicken-breasted,
- chakana,
- Wind-shaken,
- Shekinah,
- schuchin,
- Chicken-pox,
- schocken,
- chickeny,
- shogun,
- chacoan,
- chocano,
- chicken-wire,
- check-in,
- CHCNA,
- Chechnya,
- Shaquana,
- shukan,
- shaoguan,
- chocoan,
- chagan,
- Shekina,
- chicken-livered,
- shekhinah,
- chicken-and-egg,
- shaken,
- chicane,
- Nerve-shaken,
- shikano,
- chaisson,
- chicken-farming,
- chosen,
- terror-shaken,
- check in,
- chacon,
- Shaquina,
- shikona,
- chakhoyan,
- un-shaken,
- Chacone,
- shakuni,
- chaiken,
- sheikhan,
- chickens,
- chacun,
- CHCNN,
- shokan,
- schagen,
- Chequin,
- CHICN,
- chicken-fight,
- Chicken-tuberculosis,
- chicken-cholera,
- shkin,
- shikun,
- chicon,
- Chicken-water,
- chicken-fried,
- fried-chicken,
- Shakeena,
- Chicken-broth,
- chicken-heartedly,
- rubber-chicken,
- Shakina,
- shokhin,
- thicken,
- checkin,
- chicken-heart,
- chicoine.
Conjugate verb Chicken
CONDITIONAL
I
would chicken
we
would chicken
you
would chicken
he/she/it
would chicken
they
would chicken
FUTURE
I
will chicken
we
will chicken
you
will chicken
he/she/it
will chicken
they
will chicken
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have chickened
we
will have chickened
you
will have chickened
he/she/it
will have chickened
they
will have chickened
PAST
I
chickened
we
chickened
you
chickened
he/she/it
chickened
they
chickened
PAST PERFECT
I
had chickened
we
had chickened
you
had chickened
he/she/it
had chickened
they
had chickened
PRESENT
I
chicken
we
chicken
you
chicken
he/she/it
chickens
they
chicken
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have chickened
we
have chickened
you
have chickened
he/she/it
has chickened
they
have chickened
I
am chickening
we
are chickening
you
are chickening
he/she/it
is chickening
they
are chickening
I
was chickening
we
were chickening
you
were chickening
he/she/it
was chickening
they
were chickening
I
will be chickening
we
will be chickening
you
will be chickening
he/she/it
will be chickening
they
will be chickening
I
have been chickening
we
have been chickening
you
have been chickening
he/she/it
has been chickening
they
have been chickening
I
had been chickening
we
had been chickening
you
had been chickening
he/she/it
had been chickening
they
had been chickening
I
will have been chickening
we
will have been chickening
you
will have been chickening
he/she/it
will have been chickening
they
will have been chickening
I
would have chickened
we
would have chickened
you
would have chickened
he/she/it
would have chickened
they
would have chickened
I
would be chickening
we
would be chickening
you
would be chickening
he/she/it
would be chickening
they
would be chickening
I
would have been chickening
we
would have been chickening
you
would have been chickening
he/she/it
would have been chickening
they
would have been chickening
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