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Etymology Journal ยท G

Got a chip on your shoulder

Meaning

This describes someone who is perpetually grumpy or looking for a fight. It implies they are carrying around a grudge like a literal weight.

Accusatory, blunt

Used in a sentence

  • You have really had a chip on your shoulder ever since the boss denied your vacation request.
  • Stop acting like the world is out to get you and lose that chip on your shoulder.
  • He showed up to the family dinner with a chip on his shoulder and argued about everything.

The backstory

This dates back to 18th century American colonial days. Young boys would place a wood chip on their shoulders and dare others to knock it off as a way to start a physical fight.

Heard in

Nationwide

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