This article will discuss the meaning of phraseology “wet chicken”. Where did this expression come from and why was the chicken “honored” to be mentioned in this catchphrase?
The origin of phraseology
The Russian people are very observant. He observes all natural phenomena, the behavior of animals, correlates various manifestations of living and non-living creatures in the environment. Watching nature, people come up with wise phrases that later become “winged”.
As you know, chicken is a poultry that brings many benefits to humans. She gives eggs and meat, so many people, having their own farm, keep these birds in their yard. People did not go unnoticed by the fact that when a chicken gets exposed to rain, it takes on a miserable appearance. Unlike waterfowl, its feathers quickly get wet and stick to the body. A wet chicken is a pity because it looks confused and drooping. The origin of this phraseology is due to the fact that the image of wet chicken very accurately characterizes the state of helplessness and depression.
"Wet Chicken": the meaning of phraseology
This phrase can be used in two meanings. In the first, it denotes a limp and spineless person who is not capable of independent decisions and actions. In a word, it characterizes non-initiative people. As a wet chicken does not give the impression of a self-confident bird, so a person who is called a “wet chicken” is considered weak and spineless.
In the second meaning, “wet chicken” means a person who is very confused and has a miserable appearance, i.e. Looks like a chicken after rain. Anyone, even the strongest and most confident person, can be in a position where unforeseen circumstances unsettle.
In the first sense, the general emotional coloring of phraseology is neglectful. Calling someone such a phrase, we show people their disrespect and disapproval, as weak-willed people usually do not enjoy honor in society.
In the second meaning, the emotional coloring of the phrase is more sympathetic, since a person who finds himself in a difficult position, confused and depressed, causes pity.
Interesting Facts
Not everyone knows the fact that when the chicken wanted to become a brood, and the hostess did not plan to breed chickens, they did a certain procedure with the bird. She was dipped in a barrel of cold water, and this was done several times.
After all these unpleasant procedures, the bird became lethargic and lethargic. This condition she maintained for a fairly long period of time. The chicken lost the desire to breed its offspring, she became depressed and limp. This fact probably also triggered the birth of the phrase “wet chicken”, which characterizes the lack of will.
There is also a proverb about wet chicken. It sounds like this: "Wet chicken, but also cockerel." It says about a man who is pathetic and weak-willed, and is trying to build something substantial out of himself. Such people never inspired respect, so they are compared with a drooping wet bird, which, in addition to pity, does not cause any more emotions.
Conclusion
Why did wet chicken sunk into the soul? Phraseologism, born from this phrase, helps to accurately characterize a person limp or having a miserable appearance. As soon as we pronounce this phrase, an image of an unhappy and drooping bird immediately emerges, the feathers of which stuck together and stuck to the calf. No animal looks so pathetic as a chicken in the rain. That is why this image became a household word and served as an impetus for the birth of phraseology.