I always hear this but have yet to know the meaning of it. Please help thanks!
2007-02-13 18:34:55 · 12 answers · asked by Fresh2Death 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
This term originated years ago in country schools.
When you wanted to start a fight with another kid, you put a chip of wood on your shoulder and dared him to knock it off.
If he knocked it off he accepted your challenge and you were entitled to fight him.
Another type of challenge was to draw a line in the dirt and dared him to step over it. That is mentioned once in awhile now about Iraq by saying we drew a line in the sand and fought Saddam when he took the challenge.
2007-02-13 18:43:20 · answer #1 · answered by Harry T 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The earliest printed instance of the phrase listed in the Oxford English Dictionary comes from the Long Island Telegraph newspaper in May, 1830. This citation also provides what is probably a good explanation of the origin of the phrase: "When two churlish boys were determined to fight, a chip would be placed on the shoulder of one, and the other demanded to knock it off at his peril." (The "chip" was, in that age of wood stoves, most likely a chip of wood.)
Since then it has evolved into an expression where there is one person who is determined to pick a fight or argument, sometimes to the point of irrationality.
2007-02-13 18:41:30 · answer #2 · answered by waggy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means that you have a generally angry attitude and are very confrontive about it. You challenge any attempt at authority over you and want things your own way, whatever the cost to yourself or others, as a general rule.
Hope this helps...
2007-02-13 18:41:13 · answer #3 · answered by Simple Man Of God 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It means different things to diff people.
I'd say two things. 1 never argue with anyone. Allways works for me. 2, get away from these people who are allways trying to argue.
2007-02-13 18:42:47 · answer #4 · answered by Put_ya_mitts_up 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that you think the world owes you a living.
That you have very unresolved issues.
That you are really angry at life.
2007-02-13 19:43:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means you have an attitude, are easily offended, and take your problems out on other people.
2007-02-13 18:37:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means you are looking for a fight, you are angry about something, or you have a really bad attitude.
2007-02-13 18:37:45 · answer #7 · answered by Euro Cop 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A habitually hostile or combative attitude.
2007-02-13 18:38:46 · answer #8 · answered by msu_milk_chocolate 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The term is saying that something is bothering you.
2007-02-13 18:37:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This means that you are prone to quarreling or disagreements with other people.
2007-02-13 18:42:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋