A reference to the classic, epistemological problem of determining the (
efficient) cause and a
corresponding product amongst entities that could be argued to fill either, opposing roles.
Used more colloquially to
laugh off an impasse in which the solution to a problem cannot feasibly be made to precede and solve that problem until said problem is already solved. Really, it can be downright abused on any pickle, dilemma or conundrum.
“
The interview is tomorrow but I’m still naked, broke and nobody will loan me money. If only I had a job so I could buy a suit. It’s a real chicken-egg problem.”
“
Christian used this turn of phrase
word for word in college back in 2007. But it’s been heard in use lately. Where’d it actually come from? Gaaaaw-lee, what a chicken-egg problem.”