Chicken

Definition

Chicken is a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a domesticated bird kept for its eggs, meat, or as a pet, and specifically the meat of this bird when used as food. It can also refer informally to someone who is cowardly. As an adjective, it describes something related to chicken or implies cowardice.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtʃɪkɪn/
• Respelling: CHIK-in

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtʃɪkɪn/
• Respelling: CHIK-in

Etymology

The word "chicken" comes from the Old English "cicen" or "cycen," originally referring to a young fowl. The term is related to the Old High German "kīkan" and has evolved over centuries to refer to both the animal and the meat it provides.

Derivatives

• Chick (noun)
• Chickenshit (noun, slang, derogatory)
• Chickenhearted (adjective)
• Chickenpox (noun)
• Chickenfeed (noun)

Synonyms

• Fowl
• Poultry
• Coward (informal use)

Antonyms

• Brave (informal use)
• Heroic
• Fearless

Usage

The term "chicken" is widely used in culinary contexts to refer to the bird as a source of meat, and informally to refer to cowardice. For example, "We had grilled chicken for dinner," or "He was called a chicken for not trying the rollercoaster."

Related Terms

• Poultry: Domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat.
• Hen: An adult female chicken.
• Broiler: A chicken raised specifically for meat production.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A domesticated bird raised for meat and eggs: Refers to the bird species Gallus gallus domesticus commonly farmed worldwide.
  • Example: "They raise chickens for their eggs and meat."
• The meat of this bird, used as food: Refers to chicken as a culinary item in various dishes.
  • Example: "She made a delicious chicken stew."
• Informal term for a coward: Used to describe someone who is fearful or lacking in courage.
  • Example: "They called him a chicken for backing out of the challenge."

Adjective

• Relating to or made from chicken: Used to describe dishes, products, or attributes associated with chicken.
  • Example: "She prepared a chicken salad for lunch."
• Implying cowardice: Informal use to characterize behavior as timid or lacking courage.
  • Example: "He gave a chicken excuse to avoid the meeting."