Excuse me! Just because you've got some kind of chip on your shoulder.

What does the phrase 'chip on your shoulder' mean?

The phrase 'chip on your shoulder' means someone is holding onto a grudge or harboring a feeling of resentment or anger. It refers to a person who is easily provoked or feels the need to prove themselves in a confrontational manner.

Explanation of the phrase 'chip on your shoulder'

The phrase 'chip on your shoulder' is an idiomatic expression that means someone is holding onto a grudge or harboring a feeling of resentment or anger. It refers to a person who is easily provoked or feels the need to prove themselves in a confrontational manner. The origin of this phrase is believed to come from the practice of placing a wooden chip on one's shoulder and daring others to knock it off, thus provoking a fight. This act was seen as a challenge or invitation to engage in physical conflict.

In modern usage, having a 'chip on your shoulder' implies a defensive attitude or a readiness to engage in conflict. It suggests that the person is carrying emotional baggage or unresolved issues, which makes them easily agitated or confrontational.