What does “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” mean?
"Have a Chip on One's Shoulder" means to be easily offended or to hold a grudge.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always has a chip on his shoulder and gets upset over the smallest things.
Example
She has a chip on her shoulder because she feels like she's always being overlooked.
Example
They have a chip on their shoulder towards their former boss for firing them
Is “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” effectively in context?
You can use "Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder" to describe someone who is easily offended or holds a grudge. It implies that the person is always looking for reasons to be upset or feel slighted. For example, if someone is constantly getting angry over small things, you might say, 'He always has a chip on his shoulder and gets upset over the smallest things.'
- 1Personal Relationships
She has a chip on her shoulder because she feels like she's always being overlooked.
- 2Workplace
They have a chip on their shoulder towards their former boss for firing them.
- 3Social Interactions
He always has a chip on his shoulder and gets upset over the smallest things.
Similar phrases to “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder" is uncertain. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the practice of placing a wooden chip on one's shoulder and daring others to knock it off as a way to provoke a fight. Another theory suggests that it may have come from the idea of carrying a grudge or a burden, symbolized by a chip on one's shoulder.
Is “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who is easily offended or holds grudges.
What tone does “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” have?
"Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder" conveys a tone of negativity or defensiveness. It suggests that the person is always on guard and ready to take offense.
Can “Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized idiom that describes a specific attitude or behavior.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always has a chip on her shoulder and takes everything personally.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really has a chip on his shoulder!' to imply someone is easily offended.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be easily offended
- hold resentment
- be defensive
- be oversensitive
- be thin-skinned
Antonyms
- let go of grudges
- be forgiving
- be easygoing
- be thick-skinned
- not take things personally
