chicken feed

USAGE SUMMARY

"chicken feed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means something of small value, or something insignificant or easy to do. Example sentence: "The effort required to complete the task was a piece of chicken feed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dixie Chicken Feed?

The New York Times

He responded "It's chicken feed".

The Guardian

And now Subaru is exporting chicken feed.

The New York Times

In the 50s and 60s, chicken feed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even for syndication, that ain't chicken feed.

The New York Times

"That's not chicken feed," Mr. Spano said.

The New York Times

"Even the reduced price isn't chicken feed," Mr. Gondar said.

The New York Times

(A sum he controversially described in 2009 as "chicken feed").

The Guardian

"It's chicken feed," he said of the deal.

The Guardian

In the big picture, however, that looks like chicken feed.

The Guardian

She had a bucket of chicken feed in her hand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chicken feed" to describe money, ensure the context makes it clear that you're referring to a small or insignificant amount. Avoid using it in formal financial reports.

Common error

Avoid using "chicken feed" in contexts where a precise numerical value is required. The phrase is inherently vague and doesn't convey specific amounts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chicken feed" primarily functions as a noun, either referring literally to food for chickens or figuratively as an idiom denoting something of little value. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chicken feed" is a versatile phrase primarily functioning as a noun with both literal and figurative meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, although its register leans towards informal contexts when used figuratively. While often found in news and media, it's essential to consider the desired level of formality in your writing. When indicating a small amount or something insignificant, consider alternatives like "peanuts" or "small change" to tailor your message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peanuts

Replaces "chicken feed" with another colloquial term for a small amount of money or something insignificant.

small change

Emphasizes the insignificant monetary value, similar to one meaning of "chicken feed".

trifling amount

Highlights the insignificance and lack of importance of the quantity.

insignificant sum

Directly conveys the meaning of a small and unimportant amount of money.

mere pittance

Indicates a very small and inadequate amount of money.

animal fodder

Focuses on the literal meaning of food for animals, particularly chickens.

poultry rations

Specifically refers to the measured portions of food given to poultry.

not worth a dime

Implies something has very little or no value.

a drop in the bucket

Illustrates how small something is in comparison to a larger whole.

fodder for fowl

Describes food intended for birds, highlighting the basic sustenance aspect.

FAQs

What does "chicken feed" mean?

The phrase "chicken feed" has two main meanings: literally, it refers to food for poultry, and figuratively, it means a very small or insignificant amount, especially of money.

How can I use "chicken feed" in a sentence?

You can use "chicken feed" in sentences like: "Compared to the national debt, my student loan is just "chicken feed"" or "She bought a bag of "chicken feed" for her hens".

What are some alternatives to "chicken feed" when referring to small amounts of money?

Alternatives include "peanuts", "small change", or "a mere pittance". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "chicken feed" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "chicken feed" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use more precise and professional language, such as "insignificant sum" or "nominal amount".