25+ Weird Slang Terms That Were Hugely Popular in Past Decades

What are you, chicken? Or even worse, are you pigeon-livered? Yep, the term ‘pigeon-livered’ is an antiquated expression that was once used to describe someone who was a timid coward. Originating in Middle English and popularized during the Elizabethan era, ‘pigeon-livered’ drew a comparison between the pale color of a pigeon’s liver and the perceived lack of courage in an individual.

This vivid imagery conveyed a sense of weakness and timidity, suggesting that the person in question lacked the fortitude to confront challenges or face adversity. While less prevalent in modern language, ‘pigeon-livered’ has probably been replaced with the common term ‘chicken.’ How come these words always have to do with birds?