Meaning
To carry a lasting grievance or sense of being unfairly treated, often making someone defensive, touchy or ready to take offense. It is more than a momentary irritation.
Origin
A widely cited explanation refers to an old challenge in which a person placed a wood chip on the shoulder and dared someone to knock it off, inviting a fight. The figurative sense preserves the readiness to take offense; details of the custom’s history vary across accounts.
Examples
He’s had a chip on his shoulder ever since he was passed over for promotion.
Don’t take every comment as an insult — you sound like you’ve got a chip on your shoulder.
She came into the meeting with a chip on her shoulder.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Have a chip on your shoulder' mean?
To carry a lasting grievance or sense of being unfairly treated, often making someone defensive, touchy or ready to take offense. It is more than a momentary irritation.