chicken shit

Definition

  1. Noun (informal, chiefly US, vulgar slang):

    • Trivial, petty, or meaningless details or tasks: "chicken shit" refers to something that is considered unimportant, insignificant, or bureaucratic in a frustrating or annoying way.
    • A person who is contemptible or petty: In some contexts, it can be used as an insult for someone who is dishonest, cowardly, or overly concerned with trivial matters.

  2. Adjective (informal, vulgar slang):

    • Trivial, petty, or worthless: Describing something as "chicken shit" means it is of little value or importance, often used to criticize rules, procedures, or behavior.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • I'm tired of all this chicken shit paperwork at the office. (Unimportant and tedious bureaucratic tasks.)
    • Don't be such a chicken shit; just tell me the truth. (A person who is cowardly or petty.)

  • Adjective:

    • That was a chicken shit excuse for being late. (A petty or worthless excuse.)
    • The company's chicken shit policies are driving everyone crazy. (Trivial and annoying rules.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Chicken shit" as a compound modifier: Often used to describe overly detailed or meaningless regulations.

    • The new safety guidelines are pure chicken shit. (The guidelines are unnecessarily detailed and pointless.)

  • In military or institutional contexts: Frequently used to criticize petty bureaucracy.

    • The drill sergeant yelled about all the chicken shit tasks the recruits had to do. (Menial and degrading chores.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Chickenshit (alternative spelling): Same meaning, often written as one word.

    • He complained about the chickenshit rules at the camp. (Petty regulations.)

  • Chicken (n): A cowardly person (less vulgar).

    • He's a chicken; he won't take the risk. (A timid individual.)
Synonyms
  • Petty (adj): of little importance; trivial.
  • Trivial (adj): of little value or significance.
  • Nonsense (n): meaningless or absurd talk or behavior.
  • Bullshit (n, vulgar): used similarly to "chicken shit" but broader in meaning (often for lies or exaggeration).
Phrasal Verbs
  • Chicken out (v): to withdraw from a situation due to fear (related to "chicken" meaning coward).
    • He chickened out of the dare at the last minute. (He backed out because of fear.)
Related Idioms

  • To play chicken: to engage in a dangerous game of testing each other's nerve.

    • The two drivers played chicken on the highway. (They drove toward each other to see who would swerve first.)

  • To be a chicken: to be cowardly.

    • Don't be a chicken; jump into the pool! (Don't be afraid; take the plunge.)