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adj

chickenshit

Chickenshit (adj) means (vulgar slang) Cowardly, or pettily unfair. Example: “That was a chickenshit move, blaming him for your mistake.”

adj
1
(vulgar slang) Cowardly, or pettily unfair.
"That was a chickenshit move, blaming him for your mistake."
noun
1
(vulgar slang) A coward, or something petty and contemptible.
"Only a chickenshit would quit without telling anyone."

How to use chickenshit

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA crude slang word for cowardly, petty, or unfair behavior — or a person who acts that way.

When to use it

Vulgar slang; avoid in formal or professional writing.

Word forms

more chickenshit comparative, chickenshits plural, most chickenshit superlative

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Etymology

A blend of "chicken" (coward) and "shit," used as a coarse intensifier since at least the mid-20th century, originally in US military slang.

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 chickenshit joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “chickenshit” mean?

The word “chickenshit” means (vulgar slang) Cowardly, or pettily unfair. In plain terms, a crude slang word for cowardly, petty, or unfair behavior — or a person who acts that way.

How do you use “chickenshit” in a sentence?

Here is “chickenshit” used in a sentence: “That was a chickenshit move, blaming him for your mistake.”

What is another word for “chickenshit”?

Words with a similar meaning to “chickenshit” include chicken, wuss, bullcrap, junk, trash and Irish bull.

What part of speech is “chickenshit”?

Depending on how it is used, “chickenshit” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “chickenshit” come from?

The word “chickenshit” dates back to around 1900. A blend of "chicken" (coward) and "shit," used as a coarse intensifier since at least the mid-20th century, originally in US military slang.

How many meanings does “chickenshit” have?

“Chickenshit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (vulgar slang) Cowardly, or pettily unfair.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial