“Choking your chicken” is a peculiar phrase that leaves many people scratching their heads. At first glance, it seems nonsensical – after all, why would anyone want to choke a chicken? But like many idioms and euphemisms, this expression has a hidden meaning that isn’t apparent from the actual words. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive explanation of the origins, meanings, and usage of the phrase “choking your chicken.”
The Origins and History
The exact origins of “choking your chicken” are unclear, but most sources agree it emerged as American slang in the early 20th century. It seems to derive from two related slang terms – “choking the chicken” and “strangling the goose.” Both were euphemisms used mostly by young men to refer to masturbation or male self-pleasure.
The phrase evokes the image of someone gripping their genitals tightly to create a choking sensation This mimics the feeling of an orgasm The “chicken” and “goose” were likely chosen for their comic effect and to serve as harmless stand-ins for the penis,
Sexual Meaning
By far the most common meaning of “choking your chicken” is as a humorous and provocative slang term for male masturbation or self-stimulation. It emerged as a way for people (especially youth) to refer to the act without saying the actual word, which was considered taboo.
The phrase creates a vivid, if absurd, image of someone literally choking or squeezing a chicken But the chicken is clearly symbolic Through double entendre and metaphor, “choking your chicken” allows reference to masturbation while still maintaining some coyness and deniability about the act.
This meaning of the term is well established in pop culture. For example it has been used on TV shows like The Simpsons and movies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin for comic effect.
Other Usages
While the sexual meaning is dominant, “choking your chicken” has also been used in several extended or metaphorical ways:
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To refer to nervousness, anxiety, or hesitation. For example, “Bob was choking his chicken when he had to give that big presentation.”
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To mean overthinking a problem. For instance, “Stop choking your chicken and just pick an option already.”
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As a metaphor for repression or holding back one’s urges. For example, “After months of choking her chicken, Linda finally spoke up about the harassment at work.”
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To refer to procrastination or delay. For example, “I spent all morning choking my chicken instead of working.”
In these usages, the image of tightly gripping or restraining a chicken is applied symbolically to human behaviors like anxiety, repression, or wasting time.
Prevalence and Usage Considerations
Despite being firmly established in slang lexicons and pop culture, “choking your chicken” remains taboo in many contexts. The overt sexual meaning makes it inappropriate for formal settings and polite company. Many still view it as vulgar, immature, or offensive.
For this reason, the phrase is most often used non-literally in joking or ironic ways. People may use it among close friends for humor, but not around parents, coworkers, or strangers. The exceptions are sexual health educators or writers who need to reference masturbation frankly.
Given the sensitivity around the term, caution is advisable. As always, consider your audience and relationship with the listener before using risqué or provocative language.
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FAQ
What does it mean to choke a chicken?
CHOKE THE CHICKEN meaning: Masturbate, slang for male ejaculation – OneLook. Definitions.
Where does the phrase “choke up chicken” come from?
The origin of this expression is unknown but has been in use in many parts of England for a long time. Young children are sometimes called as ‘chicken’. While eating the food, if they cough (not due to illness), mothers used to say “Choke up, chicken”. As a slang word, it is used for self sexual gratification.
What does choking mean in slang?
[ I ] informal. (also choke it) (usually in sports) to fail to do something at a time when it is urgent, usually because you suddenly lose confidence: He could score points at will during the semifinals, but in the final he completely choked.
Why does my chicken act like she’s choking?
In most cases its due to a build-up of mucous in the airways.
What does choke the chicken mean?
means to jerk off, wack the weisel, beat your meat, free the whales, or jack your johnson for example. I walked in only to find Jim chokin the chicken in his room. Damnit Jim, why do you always have to choke the chicken. Get the Choke the Chicken mug. 1. Slang term for “masturbation.” 2. Reference to Sarah Palin’s new favorite interview background.
What are the signs and symptoms of choking?
Find out more about the kinds of airway obstructions and signs and symptoms of choking. In partial airway obstruction, the patient will be able to breathe and cough, although there may be a ‘crowing’ noise (stridor) as air passes through a narrowed space.
What does choke mean in English?
From Middle English choken (also cheken), from Old English * ċēocian, āċēocian (“to choke”), probably derived from Old English ċēoce, ċēace (“jaw, cheek”), see cheek. Cognate with Icelandic kok (“throat”), koka (“to gulp”). See also achoke. I will choke it with my strong arms.