a chip on (one's) shoulder



a chip on (one's) shoulder

An attitude that leads one to become combative or easily angered. Fred has such a chip on his shoulder—you never know what's going to set him off next. She won't admit it, but Kate has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to discussing her career.
See also: chip, on, shoulder

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Yermolai-Russian
JevgĒŅIja-Latvian
Joaquima-Catalan
Fruma-Yiddish
Francka-Slovene
Honey['hʌni]