have a chip on my shoulder vs had a chip on my shoulder

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different tenses. 'Have a chip on my shoulder' is in the present tense, while 'Had a chip on my shoulder' is in the past tense. The choice between them depends on the timeframe you are referring to.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 568 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone who is easily offended or always ready to start a fight.

"have a chip on my shoulder "

This phrase is used in the present tense to describe someone who is touchy, easily offended, or harboring a grudge.

Examples:

Ever since he lost the competition, he has had a chip on his shoulder.
She always seems to have a chip on her shoulder whenever we talk about politics.
I don't know why he has a chip on his shoulder today; he's been in a bad mood all day.
Having a chip on your shoulder won't help you make friends easily.
It's hard to have a conversation with someone who always has a chip on their shoulder.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have a chip on my shoulder because my neighbours kept me awake all night with a loud party! Media: [Please, update your code at forvo.com] have a chip on ...
May 25, 2012 ... I ALWAYS have a chip on my shoulder. You know why -- and the guy who put it there. Posted by: Joihn Hollon | June 01, 2012 at 11:16 AM.
Mar 4, 2016 ... Dale Weise: 'I always have a chip on my shoulder'. Dale Weise defends against Boston's John-Michael Liles during Thursday's game.
And it's true, I did have a chip on my shoulder. I was tortured by the belief that other artists and art world types didn't take my work seriously, that they viewed it as ...

Alternatives:

carrying a grudge
being touchy
having a bad attitude
being easily offended
having a confrontational demeanor

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone who used to be touchy, easily offended, or harboring a grudge in the past.

"had a chip on my shoulder "

This phrase is used in the past tense to describe someone who was touchy, easily offended, or harboring a grudge at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

When he was younger, he had a chip on his shoulder about his family's financial situation.
She had a chip on her shoulder after the argument with her boss.
I had a chip on my shoulder during my teenage years, but I've learned to let things go now.
He had a chip on his shoulder after being overlooked for the promotion.
She had a chip on her shoulder for years after the breakup.

Show examples from the web [+]

From an old custom of placing a chip of wood on one's shoulder as a challenge to a rival: if the rival knocked the chip off they were agreeing to fight.
1.1A hole or mark on a hard object or surface where a small piece has broken off: keep an eye out for any scratches or chips on the bodywork that might need ...
5 Tháng Tám 2013 ... Years later, my classmates told me how I always had a chip on my shoulder. That's because I felt they treated me badly because I wasn't rich.”
Use the provided context clues to determine the meaning of the bolded idioms. 1. I had a chip on my shoulder about an old argument with my best friend.

Alternatives:

used to carry a grudge
was touchy
had a bad attitude
was easily offended
had a confrontational demeanor

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have a chip on my shoulder vs had a chip on my shoulder