Chicken Littleism (noun)
/ˈtʃɪk.ɪn ˈlɪt.əl.ɪz.əm/
Definition:
The persistent tendency to exaggerate threats, predict imminent disaster, or sound alarms about societal, environmental, or technological change, often regardless of, or in opposition to, contrary evidence. This mindset is marked by a reflexive belief that progress leads to catastrophe and a reluctance to acknowledge stability or positive trends, especially when such trends undermine a narrative of inevitable decline.
Etymology:
Derived from the folk tale character Chicken Little, who panics and declares “the sky is falling” after being struck by a falling object, symbolizing alarmism or unfounded fear.
In social commentary:
Chicken Littleism describes the psychological and social investment in a narrative of continuous crisis, where contrary evidence provokes not reassessment, but further entrenchment and often emotional backlash. It is tied to an identity or worldview dependent on the expectation of worrisome decline rather than measured observation of continuity or progress.
/ˈtʃɪk.ɪn ˈlɪt.əl.ɪz.əm/
Definition:
The persistent tendency to exaggerate threats, predict imminent disaster, or sound alarms about societal, environmental, or technological change, often regardless of, or in opposition to, contrary evidence. This mindset is marked by a reflexive belief that progress leads to catastrophe and a reluctance to acknowledge stability or positive trends, especially when such trends undermine a narrative of inevitable decline.
Etymology:
Derived from the folk tale character Chicken Little, who panics and declares “the sky is falling” after being struck by a falling object, symbolizing alarmism or unfounded fear.
In social commentary:
Chicken Littleism describes the psychological and social investment in a narrative of continuous crisis, where contrary evidence provokes not reassessment, but further entrenchment and often emotional backlash. It is tied to an identity or worldview dependent on the expectation of worrisome decline rather than measured observation of continuity or progress.
* Policymakers accused of Chicken Littleism continue to warn about collapse, despite data showing decades of stability.
* The refusal to acknowledge photographic evidence of stable shorelines was dismissed as Chicken Littleism.
* The refusal to acknowledge photographic evidence of stable shorelines was dismissed as Chicken Littleism.
by mikespike August 20, 2025
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Get the Little Chicken mug.by Ace Morgan February 9, 2020
Get the Little chicken mug.A person who complains or is an asshole to those around them, yet when called out or is met with a retaliation to their behavior, will whine like a little bitch and run away.
Person 1) Man this guy sure is an asshole
Person 2) Every time we out him he gets upset
Person 1) What a little bitch chicken
Person 2) Every time we out him he gets upset
Person 1) What a little bitch chicken
by inigu April 11, 2017
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Get the Little jerk chicken mug.pinkee-i hate chickenlittle.
chickenlittle-STFU
pinkee-no
chickenlittle-stfu u hoe. i hate u. im hot. even thought im fat, i still think im cool. im 15 but i look like a fat 9-year-old! woohoo.
pinkee-thats not my problem. u shouldnt have put my wyldryde nickname on urban dictionary. even though i like the definition.
chickenlittle-i was saying u were awesome!
pinkee-i dont like u! leave me alone!
chickenlittle-STFU
pinkee-no
chickenlittle-stfu u hoe. i hate u. im hot. even thought im fat, i still think im cool. im 15 but i look like a fat 9-year-old! woohoo.
pinkee-thats not my problem. u shouldnt have put my wyldryde nickname on urban dictionary. even though i like the definition.
chickenlittle-i was saying u were awesome!
pinkee-i dont like u! leave me alone!
by pinkee October 27, 2008
Get the Chickenlittle mug.Given the last years temperatures, it is hard to accuse anyone of chickenlittleism when it comes to climate change.
by gfellow August 24, 2023
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