To have a chip on one's shoulder is to hold a grudge or grievance that readily provokes disputation. Learn about the history and origin of this idiom, and how it relates to a custom of challenging someone to fight by placing a chip on the shoulder. Definition: A bad attitude that tends to get someone upset easily, oftentimes stemming from a grudge held against someone. The idiom chip on one’s shoulderrefers to someone with a belligerent attitude or grievance, which usually comes from a grudge one holds against someone or something. This bad attitude most often refers to perceived unjust treat...See full list on writingexplained.orgThere are several theories about the origin of this idiom, although none have been confirmed. During the 18th century, this phrase had a literal meaning. The Royal Navy Board issued an ordinance that allowed shipwrights who worked on the docks to take home leftover wood for their own use. This ordinance declared that shipwrights were to carry chips...See full list on writingexplained.orgThe sample conversation between two friends illustrates the correct use of this idiom. Ursula: Why is Quentin grumpy today? Betty: Oh, he’s just got a chip on his shoulder because Bill got hired for the job instead of him.See full list on writingexplained.orgHe never settled after he tried to rebel against the crown, he’s always held a chip on his shoulder against the Starks, he refuses to recognize his own son and then he leaves him to be tortured at...See full list on writingexplained.orgThe English idiom a chip on one’s shoulderrefers to someone who has a bad attitude and angers easily, often because of a perceived injustice.See full list on writingexplained.orgLearn the definition, origin and usage of the idiom chip on your shoulder, which means a bad attitude or grievance against someone or something. See examples of how to use this expression in different contexts and situations.See full list on writingexplained.orgFeb 5, 2025 · Learn the meaning and origin of the idiom "chip on shoulder", which means to have a readily provoked anger or resentment. See examples of how to use the phrase correctly and some similar and alternative expressions. Learn the meaning and usage of the idiom have a chip on one's shoulder, which means to have an angry or unpleasant attitude caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past. See examples, synonyms, and related words. HAVE A CHIP ON YOURSHOULDER definition: 1. to seem angry all the time because you think you have been treated unfairly or feel you are not…. Learn more. Is having a chip on your shoulder a good thing?While having a chip on your shoulder can motivate you to better yourself, learn from your past, or achieve some high-reaching goal, it’s not exactly a positive quality. As Merriam-Webster defines it, the expression implies “an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past.”Where did the phrase 'a chip on your shoulder' come from?As is the case with many phrases and sayings, the origin of the phrase ‘a chip on your shoulder’ is unclear. However, there are details about where it possibly originated from. The “chip” mentioned in this phrase refers, not to potato chips, but to a piece of timber or wood.What does it mean if you put a wood chip on your shoulder?As Pascal Tréguer writes for his word histories blog, chip on your shoulder had a literal meaning when it arose in the U.S. and Canada during the early 19th century (or earlier). If you put a wood chip on your shoulder, you were daring someone to come knock it off—and whoever did was essentially agreeing to a fight. Learn the meaning and origin of the idiom "chip on your shoulder", which refers to someone who has a grievance or resentment and is always ready to fight. See how to use it in a sentence and alternative expressions. · “Chip on your shoulder” means holding a grudge or being easily angered due to past resentment or perceived unfair treatment. When you use the term ‘chip on the shoulder’ you are talking about a person who seems to think that they are better than others or that the world owes them something. · Learn the meaning and origin of the idiom "chip on shoulder", which means to have a readily provoked anger or resentment. See examples of how to use the phrase correctly and some similar and alternative expressions. Learn the meaning and usage of the idiom have a chip on one's shoulder, which means to have an angry or unpleasant attitude caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past. See examples, synonyms, and related words. HAVE A CHIP ON YOURSHOULDER definition: 1. to seem angry all the time because you think you have been treated unfairly or feel you are not…. Learn more. Learn the meaning and origin of the idiom "chip on your shoulder", which refers to someone who has a grievance or resentment and is always ready to fight. See how to use it in a sentence and alternative expressions. · “Chip on your shoulder” means holding a grudge or being easily angered due to past resentment or perceived unfair treatment. When you use the term ‘chip on the shoulder’ you are talking about a person who seems to think that they are better than others or that the world owes them something.
