What is the origin of a chip on your shoulder?

Origin: This phrase originated in the USA in the 1800s. It refers to a practice where people who were looking for a physical fight would place a chip of wood on their shoulders, challenging others to knock it off.

What does carrying a chip on your shoulder mean?

: to have an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he didn’t get the promotion he was expecting.

Is it good or bad to have a chip on your shoulder?

Be careful about that chip on your shoulder You may resent the way you have been treated by people in the past and nurtured a desire to get your own back. The fact is, that carrying a chip on your shoulder probably does you no good at all. It can make you more aggressive, touchy and reactive that you want to be.

How can you tell if someone has a chip on their shoulder?

Here are some example sentences using the expression chip on your shoulder:

1. You’ve had a chip on your shoulder ever since Mary got the lead role in the play and not you.
2. It feels like I can’t say anything to you without you getting angry and upset.

What figurative language is you seem like you have a chip on your shoulder?

“To have a chip on your shoulder” basically means the act of holding a grudge or grievance. It is an idiom and the words when translated literally do not give the actual meaning of the phrase. It comes from the early 1800’s in the USA. A boy would place a chip of wood on his shoulder and dare the other to knock it off.

What is the best definition of petulant?

Definition of petulant 1 : insolent or rude in speech or behavior. 2 : characterized by temporary or capricious ill humor : peevish. Other Words from petulant Synonyms Petulant Has Latin Roots Example Sentences Learn More About petulant.