Lucas Delgado
Calling someone a chicken is a common expression used to imply that the person is afraid or cowardly. The phrase is often used in a lighthearted manner among close friends and family. Interestingly, the usage of the term chicken as an insult stems from the 1600s, when hen was used to describe submissive or cowardly individuals, contrasting with the compliment cock for leaders or warriors. Nowadays, chicken is commonly used as a term of endearment, similar to how one might use mate or love, especially in the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term of endearment | Similar to "mate" or "love" |
| Synonym for coward | Common |
| Implies fear | Used with close friends and family |
| Sexist subtext | Female chickens are characterised as cowardly |
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What You'll Learn
'Chicken' as a term of endearment
"Chicken" is commonly used as a synonym for "coward", implying that a person is afraid or scared of something. However, the term "chicken" has also been used as a term of endearment, similar to how people use the words mate or "love". This usage is common in the UK, especially in the northern parts, and among people from Ireland residing in cities like Liverpool and Manchester. It is also used in Australia and New Zealand.
In Shakespearean literature, the term "chicken" has been used to refer to beloved children, as seen in the quote, "What, all my pretty chickens and their dam, at one fell swoop?"
The term "chicken" has also been used as a pet name for pets and children, although it is probably best to confine its use to humans. For example, a Chihuahua named "Chicken-chops" was eventually shortened to "Chicken".
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'Chicken' meaning coward
The word "chicken" is commonly used as a synonym for "coward". Calling someone a "chicken" implies that the person is afraid or scared of something. For example, if someone refuses to do something because they are afraid, they might be called a "chicken". However, the term "chicken" has not always been associated with cowardice. In the mid-16th century, the term "cock" was used as a compliment to describe a leader or a brave warrior. Over time, the term "hen" was used to describe submissive or cowardly people, often in contrast with the term "cock". This juxtaposition is seen in the closing stanza of a late 17th-century ballad, Taylor's Lamentation: "Ever since then she bears such a sway, That I am forc’d her Laws to obey. She is the Cock and I am the Hen, This is my case, Oh! pity me then".
While the exact reason for the shift from "hen" to the more gender-neutral term "chicken" is unclear, the association with cowardice persists. The term "chicken" is often used informally among close friends and family and is not considered a polite term when used in this context. In addition to being used as an insult, "chicken" can also be used as a term of endearment, similar to how one might use the terms "mate" or "love". This usage is particularly common in some regions of the UK, such as the south-east and London, and may have originated in the north.
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'Chicken' in the UK
In the UK, calling someone a "chicken" is often a term of endearment, similar to how “mate” or “love” are used. It is a common nickname in the northern parts of the UK, including Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle. In these regions, it is common to use bird names like “cock,” “chick,” “hen,” and “duck” as terms of endearment. The use of "chicken" as a pet name is also prevalent in Welsh English, although it is less common among younger people.
While "chicken" is often used affectionately, it can also be used in a negative context to imply that someone is cowardly or scared. This usage is considered informal and is usually reserved for close friends and family.
The use of "chicken" as a nickname varies across different regions of the UK. For example, in the south-east of England, it is more common to use “chick” than “chicken,” especially when addressing younger siblings. In Devon, it was common to use "chicken" in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In Scotland, female friends are often addressed as "hen," and in Cornwall, older ladies might use "chick" or "me lover."
The term "chicken" has also been observed to have different nuances in different parts of the UK. For instance, in one context, calling white girls "chicken" was associated with "cheap white meat." Additionally, "chicken" can be used as a general term for a group of people or to refer to a young man, especially a gay one.
Overall, the use of "chicken" as a nickname in the UK is quite versatile, ranging from a term of endearment to a playful insult, depending on the context and regional variations.
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'Chicken' in the US
In the US, calling someone a "chicken" implies that they are afraid or scared of something. It is a synonym for "coward" and is used to describe someone who is acting in a cowardly manner. For example, if someone is afraid to jump from an airplane, their friend might call them "chicken". It is not considered a polite term and is usually only used with close friends and family.
The use of the word "chicken" to describe someone as a coward may have originated in the mid-16th century when "cock" was used as a compliment for a leader or a dominant presence. Over time, the term "hen" was used to describe submissive or cowardly people, often in juxtaposition with "cock". This sexist subtext, which characterized female chickens and humans as subdued and faint-hearted, was eventually replaced by the more gender-neutral term "chicken".
In other parts of the world, such as the UK, "chicken" can also be used as a term of endearment, similar to how someone might use "mate" or "love". It is particularly common in the northern parts of the UK, and some people may find it patronizing.
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'Chicken' in the 16th century
In the 16th century, the word "chicken" was not yet used as a synonym for "coward". Instead, the term "hen" was used to refer to submissive or cowardly people, often in juxtaposition with the term "cock", which was used to describe leaders or dominant figures. The sexist subtext of this comparison is evident, as female chickens and females, in general, were characterized as subdued and faint-hearted, relying on their male counterparts.
During this time, chickens were commonly kept for their meat and eggs, and they were a popular source of protein, especially among the lower classes. However, they were not the same breed as the domestic chickens we have today. Over time, selective breeding has led to chickens that lay more eggs and gain weight quickly for butchering. Medieval chickens foraged for food and were also fed scraps. In the 16th century, potatoes were introduced to Europe, and sailors in England and Denmark received a daily ration of 1 imperial gallon (4.5 liters) of beer. While beer was a popular drink, wine was considered more prestigious and healthy, believed to aid digestion and brighten the mood.
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Frequently asked questions
Calling someone a chicken implies that they are afraid or scared of something. It is a synonym for coward and is usually used with close friends and family.
The use of the term 'chicken' can be traced back to the 1600s when people used ''hen' to refer to submissive or cowardly people, often juxtaposing it with 'cock'.
Yes, it is quite common in certain parts of the UK, especially in the northern parts and in London. It is also used as a term of endearment, similar to how people use the terms 'mate' or 'love'.
In some parts of the UK, the term ''chick' is used for younger siblings or friends. It is also used as a pet name for loved ones.
