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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Learn expressions for backing out, messy handwriting, age, and situations with unclear cause and effect.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo “chicken out” is to abandon an intended action because of fear. “Chicken scratch” informally describes very messy handwriting. “No spring chicken” refers to someone who is no longer young and can sound insulting. A “chicken-and-egg” problem has two connected factors whose cause-and-effect order is unclear.
Cultural note: Several chicken expressions can insult or tease people. “No spring chicken” comments on age and may offend; “chicken” can shame someone for feeling afraid. The source also uses “crazy,” but this lesson avoids treating mental-health language as an insult. Prefer neutral descriptions such as “rushed” or “disorganized.”
Keep exploringChicken phrases can tease, describe handwriting, comment on age, or name a cause-and-effect puzzle.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Understand a casual phrase for deciding not to proceed.
Meaning
Decide not to do something because you feel too afraid or nervous.
Tone & use
Informal and often teasing or critical. “Back out” is a more neutral alternative.
Example
“She felt nervous before the open-mic event but decided not to chicken out.”
Recognize informal expressions that may sound judgmental.
Meaning
Very messy or hard-to-read handwriting.
Tone & use
Informal and mildly humorous; use “messy handwriting” when a neutral tone is better.
Example
“The note was written in such chicken scratch that I asked for a typed copy.”
Meaning
Not young anymore.
Tone & use
Informal and potentially insulting because it comments on someone’s age. Avoid using it about another person unless you know they welcome the joke.
Example
“He joked that he was no spring chicken after choosing the slower hiking route.”
Name a problem where two factors may influence each other.
Meaning
A situation where two factors affect each other and it is unclear which came first.
Tone & use
Common in discussion of cause and effect; it can describe a genuine feedback loop, not just uncertainty.
Example
“It is a chicken-and-egg problem: people need experience to get the job, but need a job to gain experience.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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