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Chickening: meaning, definitions and examples

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chickening

 

[ ˈtʃɪkənɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

informal usage

Chickening refers to the act of showing cowardice or fear in a situation where one is expected to be brave. It often implies backing out of a challenge or not following through on a commitment due to anxiety or fear of failure. This term is typically used informally, and it can convey a sense of disappointment in someone's lack of courage. It is an informal way to describe someone who chooses to avoid confrontation or risk.

Synonyms

backing out, cowering, flinching, retreating

Examples of usage

  • Don't start chickening out now!
  • He was chickening when asked to speak in public.
  • She chickened and decided not to jump off the diving board.
  • They were chickening and left the team during the playoff.

Translations

Translations of the word "chickening" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frango

🇮🇳 चिकनिंग

🇩🇪 Hühnchen

🇮🇩 ayam

🇺🇦 курча

🇵🇱 kurczak

🇯🇵 チキン

🇫🇷 poulet

🇪🇸 pollo

🇹🇷 tavuk

🇰🇷 치킨

🇸🇦 دجاج

🇨🇿 kuře

🇸🇰 kurča

🇨🇳 小鸡

🇸🇮 piščanec

🇮🇸 kjúklingur

🇰🇿 тауық

🇬🇪 ქათამი

🇦🇿 toyuq

🇲🇽 pollo

Etymology

The verb 'chicken' as a slang term for cowardice has roots that can be traced back to the early 20th century. It originally refers to the behavior of young chickens, which are often seen as timid and easily frightened creatures. This metaphorical association with chickens and cowardice became widely popular in American English, particularly in the context of sports and challenges, where individuals might be called 'chickens' for not grappling with tough situations or backing down. The word 'chicken' itself derives from the Old English 'cicen', which means a young fowl. Over the decades, the term has evolved into 'chickening' and has been used in various contexts such as friends encouraging each other to take risks or in competitive settings where courage is prized. The playfulness and punch this term offers often serve to push individuals out of their comfort zones.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,187, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.