People play a risky game called “chicken” where they drive straight at each other and wait for the other person to swerve or “chicken out” first. The idea behind this high-stakes competition comes from youth car culture and game theory, but it can be seen in other ways too.
Origins and Early Usage
One of the earliest uses of “chicken” to describe a daring face-off appears in the 1953 Brando classic Rebel Without a Cause. In a key scene, rival boys speed stolen cars toward a cliff, waiting to see who jumps out first. The aggressor who keeps driving even in the face of mortal peril “wins” by showing their courage. Whoever hits the brakes or leaves their car “loses.”
As teenagers embraced hot-rodding culture in the 1950s and 60s, this notion of chicken became synonymous with perilous games of nerve on the road. Drivers would race toward parked trains or other obstacles, seeing who eased off the accelerator first. Hollywood reinforced the concept in films like Footloose (1984), depicting chicken as a test of manhood among restless youth.
Modern Meanings and Examples
Though it’s not used as much these days, the word “chicken” still has its original meaning in phrases like “game of chicken.” In a broader sense, it refers to any conflict where both sides are determined to lose and refuse to give in. Both sides want the other to give up first, even if it means a crash that hurts everyone.
People who went against common sense used the term “nuclear chicken” to describe the dangerous policies of the Cold War. Each superpower sped toward a possible Third World War, hoping that fear between them would make the other side back off. Politicians play chicken by pushing dangerous policies and daring the other side to take the blame for disaster if a deal can’t be reached.
Beyond machismo and war, chicken also appears in economics and biology. The “hawk-dove game” models conflict over resources, where players choose either conciliation or escalation. Darwinian “chicken” contests, like stags locking horns, determine superiority and access to mates. In business, “chicken pricing” sees retailers dangerously slash profit margins, hoping rivals will raise prices first.
To play chicken, you have to be ready for real trouble and believe your opponent will eventually give up first. It is a risky bet based on ego, lack of fear, and the belief that something is irrational. While giving up might be the smart thing to do, in chicken, the winner is the person who stays calm when both teams are sure to lose. So the next time someone calls you a “game of chicken,” know that they probably mean that you are so stubborn that you could fall off a cliff!
Understanding the Payoffs in the Chicken Game
In any game theory model, understanding the payoffs for different scenarios is crucial. In the Chicken Game, the outcomes can be represented in a payoff table, as shown below:
| Player 2 Swerves | Player 2 Continues | |
| Player 1 Swerves | (2, 2) | (1, 3) |
| Player 1 Continues | (3, 1) | (0, 0) |
- When both players swerve, (2, 2) happens, which leads to a small payoff.
- In (1, 3), or (3, 1), one player swerves and the other continues, giving the player who continued a bigger payoff.
- (0, 0) is the worst possible outcome, which is often called a crash, and it happens when neither player swerves.
Chicken Game and Microeconomic Game Types
In microeconomics, the Chicken Game exemplifies a non-cooperative game, influencing strategic decision-makers across various sectors. It contrasts with cooperative games, where binding agreements dictate cooperation between players. The real-world applicability of Chicken Game appears in contexts where players face decisions like retaliation, negotiation, or steadfastness under threat. Microeconomic game types integrating the Chicken Game demonstrate why competitors might push costs onto consumers, how negotiations can break down without a conciliatory move, or thus escalate disagreements. Players who want higher payoffs need to figure out if they can avoid the zero-payoff collision scenario by balancing their strategies.
Studying diverse game types like Prisoners Dilemma alongside the Chicken Game helps reveal various strategic intersections in economic modeling.
Playing Chicken: Understanding the Phrase in English
FAQ
What does it mean to play chicken in slang?
Definition of ‘play chicken’ 1. In this type of bravery test, two cars are usually driven straight at each other to see which driver will swerve away first. 2. Slang. to engage in mutual challenges or threats, hoping the opponent will withdraw before actual conflict or collision.
Where does the term “playing chicken” come from?
The word “chicken” comes from a game where two drivers are headed for a crash: one must swerve or both may die in the crash. If one driver swerves and the other doesn’t, the driver who swerved is called a “chicken,” which means a coward. This word is most common in
What does “chicken” mean in slang?
In slang, “chicken” can mean several things, but it most commonly refers to someone who is cowardly or easily scared. It can also be used to describe a young or inexperienced person, especially a young woman, or as slang for money, particularly in certain contexts.
What does play chicken mean?
比试胆量… Need a translator? Get a quick, free translation! PLAY CHICKEN definition: 1. to play dangerous games in order to discover who is the bravest 2. to play dangerous games in…. Learn more.
What is an example of playing chicken?
For example: – Two politicians might play chicken over a controversial issue by refusing to compromise. – A company might play chicken with its competitors by undercutting prices too much. – Friends might play chicken by daring each other to do something dangerous or embarrassing.
Where did the term ‘play chicken’ come from?
A phrase called “play chicken” has been around since the early 1900s in the United States. The term “chicken” has long been used as slang for someone lacking courage or acting cowardly. In the 1950s, the phrase “play chicken” emerged and became associated with reckless teenage behavior.
Is “play chicken” a bad idiom?
This is especially true for the idiom “play chicken”. One mistake to avoid is using the idiom too casually or flippantly. “Playing chicken” refers to a dangerous game where two people drive towards each other at high speeds and whoever swerves first loses. It is not something to be taken lightly or joked about.
How do you use the idiom “play chicken”?
Use the idiom “play chicken” in your dialogue and try to make it sound natural. Another way to improve your understanding of idioms is through writing exercises. In this exercise, write a short story or paragraph using the idiom “play chicken”. Be creative with your story but make sure you use the idiom correctly and in context.
How do friends play chicken?
Friends might play chicken by daring each other to do something dangerous or embarrassing. The phrase “play chicken” has been used in English language for many years, but its origins are not entirely clear. However, it is believed to have originated in the United States during the 1950s or 1960s.