Chip on your shoulder

Meaning

Carrying a grudge or feeling defensive about a perceived slight.

Usage

Used when describing someone quick to take offense.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

19th-century boys would place a wood chip on their shoulders as a challenge to peers.

Moved into adult idiom to describe people looking for conflicts.