chicken crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "chicken crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Whether it's the bird or the brave, we've got all the possible answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "chicken crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
HEN: A female fowl, often kept for its eggs.
5 Letters
CHICK: A young bird, especially one newly hatched, or colloquially, a young woman.
TIMID: Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.
6 Letters
COWARD: A person who lacks courage in a challenging situation; someone who is 'chicken'.
PULLET: A young hen, especially one less than a year old.
7 Letters
ROOSTER: A male domestic fowl, a cock.
POULTRY: Domestic fowl, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, especially when bred for food.
More About "chicken crossword clue"
The word "chicken" is a fascinating clue in crosswords because of its dual meaning. It can refer to the common farm animal, known for its eggs and meat, or it can be used colloquially to describe someone who is afraid or cowardly. This ambiguity is precisely what makes it a challenging yet common crossword clue, requiring solvers to consider the context of the puzzle and other intersecting words.
When you encounter this clue, always consider the surrounding words and the overall theme of the crossword. Is it a nature-themed puzzle? Then a bird-related answer like HEN or ROOSTER is likely. Is it a puzzle about personality traits or emotions? Then COWARD or TIMID might be the solution. Our comprehensive list above covers both interpretations, ensuring you have all possible options at your fingertips.
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering crosswords. A good crossword solver doesn't just know definitions but also understands wordplay, idioms, and double meanings. The "chicken" clue is a perfect example of this linguistic richness at play in daily puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always count the available squares in your puzzle. This is the fastest way to narrow down potential answers for a clue like "chicken" which has multiple meanings.
- Look for Context Clues: Examine the words around the "chicken" clue. If another clue in the same area refers to an animal, farm, or food, it strongly suggests a literal interpretation. If it hints at fear or bravery, consider the figurative meaning.
- Consider Common Phrases: Sometimes clues incorporate idioms. While "chicken" primarily means the bird or coward, think about phrases like "chicken out" or "chicken feed" if the standard answers don't fit.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by filling in letters from intersecting clues. If an answer for "chicken" fits perfectly with letters from other solved words, you've likely found the correct one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'chicken' mean in a crossword clue?
The word 'chicken' in a crossword clue can refer to the bird itself (e.g., hen, rooster, chick, poultry), or it can refer to the metaphorical meaning of being a coward or timid (e.g., coward, timid, faint-hearted).
How can I distinguish between the bird and the 'coward' meaning of 'chicken' in a clue?
Context is key. Look at other words in the clue. If it mentions farm, eggs, or feathers, it's likely the bird. If it mentions fear, courage, or timidness, it's probably the 'coward' meaning. The length of the answer can also hint at it.
Are there common tricks for 'chicken' clues in crosswords?
Beyond the literal and figurative meanings, some clues might play on 'chicken out' (to back out due to fear), 'chicken feed' (a paltry sum of money), or even specific breeds. Always consider idioms and common phrases related to the word.