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to play chicken
01
to engage in a risky challenge, daring the opponent to back down before real conflict or danger occurs
Slang
What does "to play chicken" mean in slang?
The structure combines "play" with "chicken" (slang for cowardice), forming a verb phrase that describes a specific type of dare. It is used to describe engaging in a risky challenge where two participants move toward each other or toward danger, daring the opponent to back down first before real conflict or harm occurs. People typically cite "playing chicken" in contexts like two drivers heading toward each other, or two negotiators refusing to compromise.
Examples
The drivers sped toward each other, playing chicken on the highway.
