DictionaryRoot: chip on one's shoulder

English

chip on one's shoulder

a readiness to take offense

1 / 1

A prickly customer reacts argumentatively to a minor accidental bump: he turns sharply with a scowl and an accusatory finger while the other man steps back with an apologetic open palm.

adjective

chippy

Probably related to this root.

CHIP-ee/tʃˈɪpi/

Easily irritated and ready to argue.

Etymology

chip on one's shoulderProbable sourceEnglisha readiness to take offense

Probably associated with having a chip on one's shoulder. The adjective's exact formation is uncertain.

Related word entries

chippy