Whatzat mean? Word origins.

homoe · 07-03-2018, 09:41 AM

A Chip On Their Shoulder............

To have a chip on one's shoulder refers to the act of holding a grudge or grievance that readily provokes disputation. They feel that they have been wronged by the world, so is always ready for a fight: easily offended because they feels that they have been treated unfairly by others, or perhaps feels inferior.

Origin: Comes from the days when there was a formal declaration for a fight. When a person disagreed strongly with someone over a personal belief, they would place a chip of wood on their shoulder and dare the other to knock it off. Once the other person did this, it signaled the beginning of the fight and thus punches were thrown. Examples of this can be seen in old British movies circa 1930-1950's.

07-03-2018, 09:41 AM	#31
homoe Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Butch Relationship Status: ..... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: 30 minute ferry ride from Seattle Posts: 38,565 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 20,811 Thanked 33,550 Times in 14,914 Posts Rep Power: 21474890	A Chip On Their Shoulder............ To have a chip on one's shoulder refers to the act of holding a grudge or grievance that readily provokes disputation. They feel that they have been wronged by the world, so is always ready for a fight: easily offended because they feels that they have been treated unfairly by others, or perhaps feels inferior. Origin: Comes from the days when there was a formal declaration for a fight. When a person disagreed strongly with someone over a personal belief, they would place a chip of wood on their shoulder and dare the other to knock it off. Once the other person did this, it signaled the beginning of the fight and thus punches were thrown. Examples of this can be seen in old British movies circa 1930-1950's.