What is chip on shoulder?

The phrase "chip on one's shoulder" is an idiomatic expression used primarily in English-speaking cultures. It describes someone who is carrying a perceived grievance or is habitually combative or confrontational due to a sense of being slighted or wronged. A person with a chip on their shoulder is often quick to take offense or respond aggressively to perceived insults or challenges.

The origins of the expression are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in 19th-century North America. One popular explanation is that it comes from a practice where a person looking for a fight would literally place a physical chip, such as a small piece of wood, on their shoulder and challenge others to knock it off as a sign of willingness to engage in a brawl.

In modern usage, having a chip on your shoulder can refer to a more figurative sense of aggression, defensiveness, or a feeling of resentment, and it is not necessarily associated with physical confrontation. It can manifest in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, workplace dynamics, or public interactions.