Chickened: meaning, definitions and examples

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chickened

 

[ ˈtʃɪk.ənd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

informal use

The term 'chickened' is a colloquial way of saying someone has shown cowardice or has backed out of a situation out of fear. It is often used in casual conversation to describe someone who has failed to go through with a challenging task or commitment. This particular usage is derived from the term 'chicken,' which is slang for a coward. The word implies a lack of bravery in the face of difficulty or danger.

Synonyms

backed down, fled, retreated, wavered

Examples of usage

  • He chickened out of the competition at the last minute.
  • She chickened when it was time to speak in front of the crowd.
  • They chickened after hearing the scary stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "chickened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frango

🇮🇳 चिकन

🇩🇪 Hühnchen

🇮🇩 ayam

🇺🇦 курка

🇵🇱 kurczak

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 poulet

🇪🇸 pollo

🇹🇷 tavuk

🇰🇷 치킨

🇸🇦 دجاج

🇨🇿 kuře

🇸🇰 kurča

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 piščanec

🇮🇸 krybbur

🇰🇿 тауық

🇬🇪 ქათამი

🇦🇿 toyuq

🇲🇽 pollo

Word origin

The term 'chicken,' meaning a coward, has its origins in the early 19th century. It likely comes from the common perception of chickens as timid creatures. This association is further reinforced by the behavior of chickens, who often flee from threats rather than confront them. The verb 'to chicken out' began to appear in print in American English in the 1930s, evolving into forms like 'chickened.' Over time, this became a recognizable variant used to describe someone who succumbs to fear. The phrase embodies a cultural understanding of bravery and the ridicule associated with cowardice, encapsulated in the playful yet derogatory nature of calling someone a 'chicken.' Thus, 'chickened’ serves not only as a verb but as a reflection of societal attitudes toward courage and fear.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,078, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.