chip on one's shoulder
Defensive, combative attitude
A chip on one's shoulder is a readiness to take offense or pick fights, usually stemming from a grievance or sense of having been wronged: He's had a chip on his shoulder ever since he got passed over for promotion.
Someone carrying this chip seems to be daring others to knock it off—inviting confrontation.
- argumentativenessDisposition to dispute
- bad attitudeHostile, uncooperative mindset
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
- axe to grindHidden personal agenda
- inferiority complexChronic sense of inadequacy
bitterness · old wounds · conflict · self-doubt · low self-esteem · victim mentality · hostility · belligerence · short fuse · tension · provocation · combativeness · sore loser · passive-aggressiveness · trauma · paranoia · alienation · indignation
chip on one's shouldereasygoing
Relaxed in temperament
good-natured · affable · magnanimous · warm-hearted · genial
chip on one's shoulderforgiving
Inclined to pardon offenses
thick-skinned · water off a duck's back · equanimity · thick skin · good-natured
chip on one's shoulderself-assurance
Confidence in one's abilities
confidence · self-possession · inner peace · comfortable in one's own skin · self-confidence
chips, chipped, chipping, chipper, shoulder, shoulders, shouldered, shouldering