tʃɪp ɔn jɔr ˈʃoʊldər
Emotions
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- A wood chip sitting on one's shoulder
What does "chip on your shoulder" mean?
- A persistent feeling of resentment or grievance
- A tendency to become angry or defensive easily
Examples
- He's had a chip on his shoulder since he was passed over for promotion.
- Don't go in with a chip on your shoulder—stay professional.
- She carries a chip on her shoulder about her education.
Origin
From 19th-century America, where boys would place a wood chip on their shoulder and dare others to knock it off as a way to start a fight. Carrying a chip signals readiness for conflict.
How to use it
Always negative—suggests someone who is looking for conflict or overly sensitive. Common in personal and workplace discussions.
Similar expressions
grudge
resentment
attitude problem
Opposites
easygoing
carefree
Related idioms
- hang in there
To persevere during difficult times
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- get cold feet
To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- on top of the world
Feeling extremely happy and successful
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- blow off steam
To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
Use it in a practice answer
Try "chip on your shoulder" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.