- Describes a person who seems perpetually resentful, angry, or defensive, as if they are carrying a grudge or feel they have been treated unfairly.
- They often seem ready for an argument or perceive insults where none are intended.
Explanation
Origin
- Originated in the US in the early 19th century.
- Reportedly, shipyard workers or boys would literally place a wood chip on their shoulder and dare others to knock it off, thus provoking a fight.
- This practice became a metaphor for someone spoiling for a fight or holding onto a grievance.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Salty (Modern slang for bitter, annoyed, or resentful, often over something minor)
- Butthurt (Crude slang for overly sensitive or offended)
- Got beef (with someone/something) (AAVE influence, means having a dispute or conflict)
- Always looking for a fight
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Pissed off (at the world / about something specific)
- Got a stick up their ass (Generally uptight and easily annoyed, not just resentful)
Milder:
- Sensitive about...
- Holds onto things
- Easily offended
- Harbors resentment
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- It's a criticism of someone's attitude. Avoid using it directly to the person unless you intend confrontation or are very close.
- Be cautious using it in professional settings; describing behavior specifically is usually better than applying a label.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might be confused by the literal image. The connection to aggression and resentment needs explanation.
- They might not grasp the implication that the anger feels unwarranted or excessive to the speaker.
Examples
- Ever since he got passed over for the promotion, he's had a real chip on his shoulder.
- She seems to have a chip on her shoulder about her background and gets defensive easily.
- Try not to mention his ex-wife; he still has a chip on his shoulder about the divorce.
Dialogue
Layla: Why is Dan always so argumentative in meetings?
Omar: I think he still has a chip on his shoulder about not getting the team lead position last year.
Layla: Ah, that makes sense. He seems to challenge everything the new lead says.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Dealing with someone who clearly has a chip on their shoulder today. Everything is a fight. Exhausting! #WorkplaceDrama
- Forum Comment: He acts like the world owes him something. Major chip on his shoulder.
- Reddit Post: How do you deal with a family member who has a permanent chip on their shoulder about past events?
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, I've noticed that., It's hard to talk to him sometimes.
- Questioning the reason: I wonder why?, What happened to make him like that?
- Disagreement/Defense: I don't see it that way., Maybe he just feels misunderstood.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After identifying someone as having a chip on their shoulder:
- Discussing the likely cause of their resentment or anger.
- Sharing experiences of dealing with that person's defensiveness.
- Deciding how to interact with them (e.g., avoid certain topics).
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used to describe someone's negative attitude or perceived grievance.
Intonation
- Usually said with a critical or weary tone.
- Stress on chip and shoulder. He has a CHIP on his SHOULDER.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
- Younger generations might also use terms like salty to describe a similar, though perhaps less deeply ingrained, attitude.
Regional Variations
- Common idiom in all major English-speaking regions.