Biddy vs. Chicken — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 21, 2024
"Biddy" often refers to a hen or young chicken, emphasizing its domestic role, while "chicken" broadly denotes the species or is used as meat.
Difference Between Biddy and Chicken
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Biddy" is a colloquial term primarily used to refer to a hen or a small chicken, often used affectionately or informally. "Chicken," on the other hand, refers to the entire species, both male and female, and is the more formal and universally recognized term.
In some contexts, "biddy" is used to denote specifically young chickens or chicks, suggesting a more specific stage in the chicken's lifecycle. Whereas "chicken" can be used to refer to any age or stage, from chick to adult.
"Biddy" can also have a connotation of domesticity and familiarity, as it is sometimes used to describe backyard or farmyard chickens. In contrast, "chicken" is a neutral term that can refer to animals in wild, farm, or commercial settings.
While "biddy" has an additional, informal usage in English where it can refer to an old woman in a derogatory or humorous way, "chicken" can also mean a cowardly person when used metaphorically.
The term "biddy" is less common in formal discussions about poultry or agriculture where "chicken" is preferred for clarity and scientific accuracy, especially in commercial and scientific contexts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to a hen or young chicken
Refers to any member of the species
Usage Context
Informal, affectionate
Formal, broad, both culinary and live
Life Stage
Often implies younger chickens
Applies to all life stages
Additional Meanings
Can derogatorily refer to an old woman
Metaphorically means a cowardly person
Usage in Industry
Rarely used in formal settings
Commonly used in both agriculture and culinary contexts
Compare with Definitions
Biddy
Informally, a hen of any age.
She keeps a few biddies in her backyard for eggs.
Chicken
In games, used to describe a challenge or dare.
They played chicken to see who would back out first.
Biddy
Colloquially, an old woman, often used pejoratively.
The old biddy next door is always watching us.
Chicken
Colloquially, a trivial or insignificant thing.
He’s making a big deal out of a little chicken problem.
Biddy
In historical context, referred to female servants.
The biddies in the kitchen were busy preparing the meal.
Chicken
A domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat.
We raise chickens for selling at the market.
Biddy
A young chicken, especially a hen.
The farm has several biddies running around.
Chicken
Informally, a person who is afraid to do something (coward).
Don’t be such a chicken!
Biddy
Used to describe small or petty things, informally.
He’s fussing over biddy issues.
Chicken
The meat of this bird used as food.
Chicken is often recommended as a healthy protein source.
Biddy
Biddy or Biddie is a given name which may refer to:
Chicken
A domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one
Rationing was still in force and most people kept chickens
Biddy
A hen; a fowl.
Chicken
A game in which the first person to lose their nerve and withdraw from a dangerous situation is the loser
He was killed by a car after he lay in the road playing chicken
Biddy
A woman, especially an older one who is extremely talkative.
Chicken
Cowardly
I was too chicken to go to court
Biddy
(derogatory) A woman, especially an old woman; especially one regarded as fussy or mean or a gossipy busybody.
Chicken
Withdraw from or fail in something through lack of nerve
The referee chickened out of giving a penalty
Biddy
(uncommon) An attractive girl.
Chicken
A common domesticated fowl (Gallus domesticus) widely raised for meat and eggs and believed to be descended from the jungle fowl G. gallus.
Biddy
An Irish maidservant.
Chicken
Any of various similar or related birds.
Biddy
An Irishwoman.
Chicken
The flesh of the chicken, used as food.
Biddy
A name used in calling a hen or chicken, often as "biddy-biddy-biddy".
Chicken
(Slang) A coward.
Biddy
A name used in calling a hen or chicken.
Chicken
Any of various foolhardy competitions in which the participants persist in a dangerous course of action until one loses nerve and stops.
Biddy
An Irish serving woman or girl.
Chicken
Vulgar Slang A young gay male, especially as sought by an older man.
Biddy
Young bird especially of domestic fowl
Chicken
Afraid; cowardly.
Chicken
To act in a cowardly manner; lose one's nerve
Chickened out at the last moment.
Chicken
(countable) A domesticated species of junglefowl (usually, Gallus gallus; sometimes, Gallus gallus domesticus or Gallus domesticus), especially so-called when young.
Chicken
(uncountable) The meat from this bird eaten as food.
Chicken
(archaic) The young of any bird; a chick.
Chicken
A coward.
Chicken
A young or inexperienced person.
Chicken
A young, attractive, slim man, usually having little body hair; compare chickenhawk.
Chicken
The game of dare.
Chicken
A confrontational game in which the participants move toward each other at high speed (usually in automobiles); the player who turns first to avoid colliding into the other is the chicken (that is, the loser).
Don't play chicken with a freight train; you're guaranteed to lose.
Chicken
A simple dance in which the movements of a chicken are imitated.
Chicken
A kilogram of cocaine.
Chicken
Plural of chick
Chicken
(informal) Cowardly.
Why do you refuse to fight? Huh, I guess you're just too chicken.
Chicken
(intransitive) To avoid a situation one is afraid of.
Chicken
A young bird or fowl, esp. a young barnyard fowl.
Chicken
A young person; a child; esp. a young woman; a maiden; same as spring chicken.
Chicken
The flesh of a chicken used for food
Chicken
A domestic fowl bred for flesh or eggs; believed to have been developed from the red jungle fowl
Chicken
A person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy
Chicken
A foolhardy competition; a dangerous activity that is continued until one competitor becomes afraid and stops
Chicken
Easily frightened
Common Curiosities
Can "biddy" refer to any chicken or just females?
It primarily refers to female chickens, especially hens.
What is a biddy in terms of poultry?
It refers to a young or small hen.
Can "chicken" refer to the meat of the bird as well as the live animal?
Yes, it can refer to both the live animal and the meat used in cooking.
What does "chicken" encompass in animal classification?
It refers to the entire species, both male and female, of domestic fowl.
Why might someone use "biddy" instead of "chicken"?
"Biddy" may be used for affectionate or informal reference to hens or young chickens.
Is "biddy" a formal agricultural term?
No, it is considered more colloquial and informal.
What additional meanings does "biddy" have outside of referring to chickens?
It can derogatorily refer to an old woman.
How is "chicken" used metaphorically in English?
It can describe someone who is cowardly.
What contexts are inappropriate for using "biddy"?
Scientific or formal discussions about poultry where precision is required.
How does the term "chicken" fit into everyday language beyond describing poultry?
It’s used to describe cowardice and in various colloquial expressions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Reuse vs. Repurpose
Next Comparison
Grandfather vs. GrandmotherAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
