How did the term "Chicken" come to describe someone as a coward?

[saxophonoia]

I was just thinking about this for some reason and I can't come up with a good reason as to why they are associated together. Any ideas?

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

because chickens are pussies.

 

[Azraele]

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
because chickens are pussies.

You have your animals mixed up. What does a cat have to do with a chicken?

I googled your question, and came up with an interesting article.
Text

 

[djNickb]

chicken little?

 

[amoeba]

likely came from the phrase chicken little, although how that came about, I don't know.

 

[Gyrene]

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
because chickens are pussies.

Have you ever seen a cock fight?

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: saxophonoia
I was just thinking about this for some reason and I can't come up with a good reason as to why they are associated together. Any ideas?

You ever been on a farm?

KK

 

[Savij]

I used to think chickens were cowards until I saw "When Chickens Attack" on tv. Now I do my best to avoid any confrontation with chickens.

 

[Asharus]

Cuz they run away when you go near them.

 

[TwinkleToes77]

I think its because chickens scare so easily. They literally can be scared to DEATH.

 

[dighn]

Originally posted by: Asharus
Cuz they run away when you go near them.

most small animals do

 

[Azraele]

Originally posted by: TwinkleToes77
I think its because chickens scare so easily. They literally can be scared to DEATH.

True, see the article in my previous post.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: dtyn

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
because chickens are pussies.

Have you ever seen a cock fight?

OK a cock is not a pussy, but the hen chicken is.

 

[saxophonoia]

Originally posted by: Azraele

Originally posted by: TwinkleToes77
I think its because chickens scare so easily. They literally can be scared to DEATH.

True, see the article in my previous post.

Okay. It makes sense. I didn't know they could be scared to death though. I've only been on a farm a few times and haven't really had a lot of close interaction with chickens so I wasn't sure.

 

[Savij]

Chickens are very brave and noble creatures. Infact, a group of test chickens was involved in the development of the Concord. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2602345.stm

 

[Spike]

lol... "Concord, built by the French, tested by French chickens"

Dunno, it must be my current state of weakness due to sickness but that phrase seemed really funny to me.

-spike