be so chicken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be so chicken" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is being cowardly or afraid to take action. Example: "Don't be so chicken; just ask her out already!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You are so chicken-hearted," he teased Hamidullah*, a young registrar who was also desperately in need of rest.

The Guardian

Even worse that it should be so near the "chicken's neck", a stretch of land just 20km wide that links the north-east with the rest of India.

The Economist

They may not be so keen on chicken nuggets and Sprite.

WikiHow

You wouldn't think somebody could be so involved with chickens".

The New York Times

"I think the real issue is why these people are so fucking chicken and won't put their names on this poster". .

Huffington Post

The Disney animated feature Chicken Little is proving that it is not so chicken: in cinemas since November 4, it has so far earned $139m£79m9m) outside America, with $7.6m£4.3m3m) earned just this weekend.

The Guardian - Film

Who knew that breast augmentation was so widespread in chicken barns?

The New York Times

At one point in the early 1990's, there was so much American chicken for sale in Russian markets that people began jokingly calling drumsticks "Bush legs".

The New York Times

With Thanksgiving a week away, about 30 people waited for approval to enter the pantry and fill sacks with potatoes, onions, milk and rice, and if they were so fortunate, a chicken or a ham.

The New York Times

But Hannah Ellis says her fear of vomiting is so intense that "chicken scares me" and she panics if friends or family fall ill.

BBC

I was so sick of chicken.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using the phrase "be so chicken". While generally acceptable, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "be so cowardly" or "be so fearful".

Common error

Avoid using "be so chicken" in situations requiring utmost seriousness or formality. The phrase carries a slightly mocking or condescending tone and may not be appropriate when discussing sensitive topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be so chicken" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe someone's fearfulness or lack of courage. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English and this expression serves to label behavior as timid.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be so chicken" is a grammatically correct and relatively informal way to describe someone as /s/cowardly or afraid. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable in written English. While understandable and found in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it might be better to use more formal alternatives like /s/"be so cowardly" in professional or academic writing. When using "be so chicken", consider your audience and aim for informal settings to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives include /s/"be so fearful", /s/"be so scared", and /s/"be so timid".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be so cowardly

Replaces "chicken" with a direct synonym for lacking courage.

be so fearful

Emphasizes the feeling of fear as the reason for inaction.

be so scared

Uses a more informal term for being afraid.

be so apprehensive

Introduces a more formal synonym for anxiety or fear.

be so timid

Highlights a lack of self-assurance and boldness.

be so faint-hearted

Offers a more descriptive and slightly old-fashioned term for lacking courage.

be so gutless

Uses a stronger, more informal term for lacking courage.

be so spineless

Implies a lack of moral or physical courage.

be such a scaredy-cat

Replaces the idiom "chicken" with a different, playful idiom.

be so easily frightened

Focuses on the ease with which the person becomes scared.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "be so chicken"?

Saying someone is "be so chicken" means they are /s/cowardly, afraid, or lacking courage to do something.

Are there more formal alternatives to "be so chicken"?

Yes, you can use phrases such as /s/"be so cowardly", /s/"be so fearful", or /s/"be so apprehensive" in more formal contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to use "be so chicken" in a sentence?

Yes, the phrase "be so chicken" is grammatically correct and can be used in a sentence to describe someone's lack of courage. However, ensure the context is appropriate, as it's relatively informal.

How can I use the phrase "be so chicken" in a sentence?

You can say, "Don't be so chicken; just try it!" to encourage someone to overcome their fear. You might also say "Why are you being so chicken about asking for a raise?" to express disbelief.