chicken out
chicken out (idiom)
/ˈʧɪkən aʊt/
Meaning
- to decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage.
- to withdraw from an activity or situation due to fear.
- to avoid or back out of a difficult or frightening task.
- to lose the nerve to follow through with a previously planned action.
- to refuse to participate or take action because of fear.
Example Sentences
- He planned to go bungee jumping but chickened out at the last minute.
- She chickened out of giving her speech in front of the large audience.
- They were supposed to confront their boss but chickened out and didn’t go.
- I wanted to ask her out but chickened out when I saw her.
- We almost went on the roller coaster but chickened out when we saw how high it was.
Origin and History
The theories from cockfighting, military slang, and early 20th-century American slang offer plausible explanations for its development. Today, the phrase remains widely used, reflecting societal attitudes towards courage and fear. Its origins are varied and somewhat speculative, but these theories provide insight into how this phrase may have come to be.
Cockfighting
One popular theory links the idiom to cockfighting, a brutal sport where two roosters fight until one is killed or severely injured. The rooster that loses or retreats is often referred to as a “chicken,” implying cowardice or weakness. This metaphor extended to humans, describing those who withdraw from challenges out of fear.
Military Slang
Another theory suggests that the term gained popularity during World War II. Soldiers used the phrase “to chicken” to describe comrades who refused to face dangerous missions or enter combat zones. This usage emphasized the idea of cowardice and retreat in the face of danger, aligning with the current understanding of the idiom.
Early 20th Century Slang
The phrase “to chicken” was part of early 20th-century American slang, meaning to back down or retreat. This usage likely contributed to the evolution of the more modern “chicken out,” reinforcing the association with fear and lack of bravery.
Earliest Printed Record
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the idiom “chicken out” comes from the United States. The first recorded use of this phrase is in I. Wolfert’s 1943 book, ‘Torpedo 8.’ It reads:
“I just wanted to make sure you weren’t chickening out on me.”
It is believed that the phrase “chicken out” originates from the older use of the word “chicken” to describe someone who is very scared or weak, like a young chicken. The use of “chicken” to refer to a cowardly person dates back to at least 1616. For example, Shakespeare used “chicken” in this way in his play Cymbeline, written in 1623:
“Forthwith they flye Chickens, the way which they stopt Eagles.”
Usage Over Time
Over the decades, “chicken out” has remained a popular idiom, used in various contexts to describe situations where individuals withdraw from activities or challenges due to fear. Its use is prevalent in Western cultures, where bravery and risk-taking are often valued traits.
Synonyms
- back out
- lose one’s nerve
- pull out
- get cold feet
- bail out
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