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
Get the Chicken Littleismmug. Someone who claims to be an experienced Pyrotechnician, but who’s greatest achievement in life is to ignite Visco safety fuse, AKA, Chicken Wick.
by Ratskrad December 30, 2021
Get the Chicken Wickermug. by @redblockblocko November 15, 2020
Get the mindom chickenmug. Chicken ass Friday Is a day where you need to eat chicken ass all day with any sides have a great time.
by Bruh_Moment November 1, 2019
Get the Chicken ass Fridaymug. That person who has tinder but barely swipes right for various reasons, such as being skeptical of a profile being fake or finding a person too attractive or unattractive.
John: Did you see that Mike is on tinder now
Joe: What's the point? He's just a tinder chicken anyway.
Joe: What's the point? He's just a tinder chicken anyway.
by thatwordgeek007 March 7, 2022
Get the tinder chickenmug. by flip-flop-boi May 31, 2018
Get the chicken nuggetsmug. by PaulCaulkins May 20, 2018
Get the Chicken Shitmug.