A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harboured grievance, sense of inferiority, or having something to prove.
Etymology:
- The saying originated during the 19th century in the United States, where people wanting a physical fight would carry a chip of wood on their shoulder, daring others to knock it off. Printed citations of this include the Long Island Telegraph, which on May 20th, 1830, printed:
- 10 Views
“
He really has a chip on his shoulder about being passed over for that promotion.
Submitted on September 01, 2009
Additional definitions for 'chip on one's shoulder':
| chip on one's shoulder | A form of challenge in the same spirit as a medieval knight throwing down his gauntlet. |
| chip on one's shoulder | A tendency to take offence quickly. |
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"chip on one's shoulder." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/chip-on-ones-shoulder_2892>.
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