chicken out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, colloquial, slang
Quick answer
What does “chicken out” mean?
To decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage.
To withdraw from a commitment, challenge, or risky situation at the last moment due to anxiety or cowardice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and register. Slight potential for more frequent use in US casual speech.
Connotations
Universally informal and slightly derogatory. Not used in formal contexts.
Frequency
Equally common and well-understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chicken out” in a Sentence
[Subject] + chicken out + (of + [NP])[Subject] + chicken out + (of + [gerund phrase])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chicken out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was going to bungee jump but chickened out at the last moment.
- Don't you dare chicken out of the bet now!
American English
- She totally chickened out of asking for a raise.
- I almost did it, but I chickened out.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable for this phrasal verb]
American English
- [Not applicable for this phrasal verb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable for this phrasal verb]
American English
- [Not applicable for this phrasal verb]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; if used, it's in very informal team settings, e.g., 'He chickened out of giving the critical presentation.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in spoken narratives about personal challenges, dares, or scary activities.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chicken out”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chicken out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chicken out”
- Using it transitively without 'out' (e.g., 'He chickened the game').
- Using it in a formal written context.
- Confusing it with 'chicken' as a noun or adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it always has a negative connotation of failing to follow through due to fear. For a positive withdrawal (e.g., from a dangerous scam), use 'wisely decided not to' or 'backed out for good reason'.
Yes, it is confrontational and accusatory. It directly calls them cowardly. Use with caution, typically among friends in a teasing context, or not at all in polite company.
There is no direct nominalization. You would use phrases like 'a last-minute withdrawal', 'a failure of nerve', or informally 'a chicken-out moment'.
'Back out' is more neutral and can be for any reason (schedule, cost, change of heart). 'Chicken out' specifically implies the reason is fear or lack of courage and is more informal and judgmental.
To decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage.
Chicken out is usually informal, colloquial, slang in register.
Chicken out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪkɪn aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪkɪn aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get cold feet”
- “wimp out”
- “lose one's nerve”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cartoon chicken running away from a barn door it promised to walk through, shouting 'I'm out!'
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE IS SIZE/STRENGTH (a chicken is small and prey-like), LACK OF COURAGE IS BECOMING A CHICKEN.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would someone most likely 'chicken out'?