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 Littleism mug.those delicious little sandwiches that KFC once served, Containing solely, mayonaise, a fried meat square, lettuce, and a bun.
by Whorehey Regula July 21, 2006
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1. A forgotten KFC offering that only people who were almost born in the 1970's remember.
2. A euphemism for doomsday preppers.
2. A euphemism for doomsday preppers.
1. Laura really wished that KFC would bring back Chicken Littles.
2. Those Chicken Littles were gathering canned beans like there was no tomorrow.
2. Those Chicken Littles were gathering canned beans like there was no tomorrow.
by Iamarm January 6, 2014
Get the Chicken Littles mug.by Jenn October 2, 2004
Get the chicken littles 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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