phrase

chip on your shoulder

chip on yor SHOHL-der

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Chip on your shoulder (phrase) means a lasting resentment or sense of grievance that makes someone quick to take offence, argue or feel looked down on. Example: “He has a chip on his shoulder about not going to university.”

phrase

A lasting resentment or sense of grievance that makes someone quick to take offence, argue or feel looked down on.

"He has a chip on his shoulder about not going to university."

"She walked in with a chip on her shoulder and picked a fight within minutes."

informal, chiefly sport A driving sense of having been underestimated, used approvingly of someone whose resentment fuels their effort.

"The whole squad plays with a chip on its shoulder after being written off in August."

How to use chip on your shoulder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing touchy and resentful because you feel you have been treated unfairly.

When to use it

Informal. Calling someone out for it is confrontational.

Memory tip

The possessive changes with the person: a chip on his shoulder, a chip on their shoulder. Keep it singular — never chips on your shoulders.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

axe to grind bee in your bonnet sour grapes

Common pairings

a chip on his shoulder carry a chip on your shoulder a massive chip on her shoulder play with a chip on their shoulder

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “chip on your shoulder” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

From an American practice of placing a wood chip on one's shoulder and daring another person to knock it off as a challenge to fight; the phrase is recorded in this literal sense before becoming figurative.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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grudge grievance axe to grind bee in your bonnet

Related words

score anger complaint beef objection envy resentment nuisance

Rhymes for chip on your shoulder

Mulder boulder shoulder

See all rhymes for chip on your shoulder →

Frequently asked questions

Is having a chip on your shoulder always negative?

Usually, yes — it suggests touchiness and misplaced anger. In sport and business writing it has softened into something close to a compliment, describing an underdog whose resentment at being dismissed becomes motivation.

What is the difference between a chip on your shoulder and an axe to grind?

A chip on your shoulder is a general, diffuse resentment aimed at the world or a group. An axe to grind is a specific hidden agenda in a particular argument — you are pushing a case because it serves you, not out of principle.

Where does the phrase come from?

From a literal challenge: a man would balance a chip of wood on his shoulder and invite anyone spoiling for a fight to knock it off. The figurative sense of walking around looking for offence grew directly out of that image.

What is the meaning of chip on your shoulder?

"chip on your shoulder" (phrase) means a lasting resentment or sense of grievance that makes someone quick to take offence, argue or feel looked down on.

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score anger complaint beef objection envy resentment nuisance