Chip-on-one-s-shoulder Definition

noun

A form of challenge, in the same spirit as a medieval knight throwing down his gauntlet.

Wiktionary

(idiomatic) A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harboured grievance, sense of inferiority, or having something to prove.

Wiktionary

(idiomatic) A tendency to take offence quickly.

Wiktionary

Origin of Chip-on-one-s-shoulder

  • 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: "When two churlish boys were determined to fight, a chip would be placed on the shoulder of one, and the other demanded to knock it off at his peril."

    From Wiktionary

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