π
Chicken
/ΛtΚΙͺkΙͺn/
Definitions
1
Animals Β· Farm
Common
Represents a domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), a common farm bird kept for eggs and meat. Depicted as a yellowish-orange hen facing left with red comb and wattle.
Used literally to refer to chickens, farms, or rural settings. Often appears in food contexts or discussions about agriculture.
Visiting my grandparents' farm this weekend! Can't wait to see the π and collect fresh eggs!
Family chat
Making my famous π soup tonight - perfect for this cold weather!
Social media post
One of the most widespread domestic animals globally, chickens feature prominently in cuisine, idioms, and cultural references across numerous societies.
2
Slang Β· Personality
Uncommon
Used metaphorically to describe someone who is cowardly or fearful, referencing the phrase 'chicken out' or calling someone a 'chicken.'
More common among younger users in casual, joking contexts. Can be playful teasing or mildly insulting depending on relationship.
You're not going to ask her out? Don't be such a π!
Friend group chat
The association between chickens and cowardice dates back centuries in English-speaking cultures, appearing in literature, films, and everyday speech.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Introduced in Unicode 6.0 as one of the original animal emoji set.
Growing popularity of emoji beyond Japan led to inclusion of common farm animals.
2015
Rise in usage corresponding with increased interest in urban farming and backyard chickens.
Sustainability movements and organic food trends in Western countries.
2020
Spike in chicken emoji usage during pandemic as home cooking and baking surged globally.
COVID-19 lockdowns led to increased home cooking and interest in self-sufficiency.
Cultural Context
The term 'chicken' as an insult for someone cowardly dates to at least the 14th century, making it one of the oldest animal-based metaphors still in common use.
Chicken-keeping has seen a resurgence in urban and suburban areas as part of sustainability movements, reflected in increased emoji usage in gardening and homesteading contexts.
Chickens were domesticated around 8,000 years ago in Southeast Asia, making them one of humanity's oldest domestic animal companions after dogs.
Chicken dishes are central to countless cultural cuisines worldwide, from American fried chicken to Indian butter chicken to Chinese kung pao chicken.
Regional Variations
Australia
Often called 'chook' in Australian English. Backyard chicken keeping is popular in suburban areas.
United Kingdom
Often associated with roast chicken dinners, a British Sunday tradition. 'Chicken shop' culture is significant in urban areas.
United States
Often used in contexts related to fried chicken, a popular American dish. 'Chicken' as slang for coward is particularly common.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used practically in cooking contexts and family meal discussions. Less likely to use in metaphorical or slang contexts.
Gen_Z: Often used humorously in food contexts or to tease friends for being afraid. Appears in TikTok cooking videos and memes about being 'chicken'.
Older: Primarily used literally to refer to actual chickens or chicken dishes. Rarely used for slang or metaphorical meanings.
Millennials: Commonly used when discussing cooking, meal prep, and urban farming. Also appears in parenting contexts about feeding children.
Common Combinations
ππ₯
Represents the chicken and egg causality dilemma or refers to poultry farming.
References the philosophical question 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?'
ππ
Represents chicken as food, often fried chicken or chicken dishes.
Used in food contexts, sometimes humorously acknowledging the connection between animal and meat.
ππ
Represents someone running away from a challenge or 'chickening out.'
Visual pun on the idiom 'to chicken out,' meaning to back away from something due to fear.
ππ
Represents a hen and rooster pair or chicken farming.
Used to discuss poultry, farming, or sometimes as a euphemism for male and female relationships.