Idiom – Have a chip on your shoulder

Have a chip on your shoulder – Idiom of the day

Meaning:

to seem angry all the time because you think you have been treated unfairly or feel you are not as good as other people.

History:

In the 1800s, in the USA, there was a practice where people who wanted to physically fight would place a chip of wood on their shoulders, challenging others to knock it off.

Examples:

1. She has a chip on her shoulder about the fight yesterday.
2. He has a chip on his shoulder as he was not allowed into the house last night.
3. You have a chip on your shoulder if you think the science teacher hates you. She is very caring towards you.
4. You seem to be annoyed about everything they do; I think you have a chip on your shoulder about the ruling party.
5. Why can you never take constructive criticism? You seem to have a chip on your shoulder.

Scenario 1:

Harish: I am so annoyed.

Jenny: God! You do seem to have a chip on your shoulder always.

Scenario 2:

Janet : I do not believe in relationships anymore, I’ve got enough of them.

Jessica: You seem to have a chip of your shoulder. Don’t decide anything because of one bad relationship!