CHICKEN LITTLE Meaning and
Definition
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Chicken little is an idiomatic expression that refers to a person who is prone to overreacting, being overly fearful, or excessively alarmed even in situations that are not necessarily alarming or dangerous. This term is derived from the classic fable "Chicken Little," also known as "Henny Penny," in which a chicken panics and believes the sky is falling after an acorn falls on her head. She proceeds to spread fear among other animals, leading to a chaotic situation based on a false assumption.
In contemporary usage, "chicken little" is used metaphorically to describe someone who is highly anxious or easily frightened, often jumping to conclusions without considering all the facts or evidence. Such individuals tend to amplify minor issues or potential problems, causing unnecessary panic or chaos among others. They may exhibit a tendency to anticipate and predict worst-case scenarios without reason, creating an environment of constant unease or stress.
The term "chicken little" is mostly employed to criticize or mock individuals who are quick to assume and propagate exaggerated or unfounded fears. It suggests a lack of rationality and a tendency to engage in alarmist behavior, often unreasonably impacting the mood or mindset of those around them. By evoking the image of Chicken Little from the fable, this expression highlights the contrast between unnecessary alarmism and the need for logical thinking and evidence-based analysis in assessing threatening or challenging situations.
Common Misspellings for CHICKEN LITTLE
- xhicken little
- vhicken little
- fhicken little
- dhicken little
- cgicken little
- cbicken little
- cnicken little
- cjicken little
- cuicken little
- cyicken little
- chucken little
- chjcken little
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- ch9cken little
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- chixken little
- chivken little
- chifken little
Etymology of CHICKEN LITTLE
The term "Chicken Little" originates from a character in a fable called "Henny Penny" or "Chicken Little". The etymology of the term can be traced back to this fable, which is believed to have originated in ancient Greece or India before spreading to various cultures and languages. In the original story, Henny Penny, also known as Chicken Little, believes that the sky is falling after an acorn falls on her head. She then proceeds to spread panic among her fellow barnyard animals, warning them of impending doom. The term "Chicken Little" eventually became a metaphor for someone who is overly reactionary, prone to unnecessary alarm, or constantly anticipating a catastrophe.
Similar spelling words for CHICKEN LITTLE
