Chicken is used to talk about someone who is scared or does not want to do something because they feel afraid. This is an informal meaning.
Don’t be a chicken; try it now.
He is a chicken to speak in public.
A chicken run is a fenced space outside a chicken house where chickens can move and play safely. It keeps them protected.
The chickens play in the chicken run.
They cleaned the chicken run today.
To chicken out means to stop doing something because you are scared or nervous. People use it when someone loses courage.
She chickened out of the big race.
Don’t chicken out; come with us!
Sometimes, 'chicken' is a casual and informal way to talk about a girl or young woman. It is friendly but can be old-fashioned or slang.
Hey chicken, come here now!
That chicken is very friendly.
In some games, calling someone a 'chicken' means they don’t want to take risks. They prefer to play safe and avoid losing.
He was the chicken and folded the hand early.
Don’t be a chicken in the game.
