chicken crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "chicken crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately, no matter the word length.
Solutions for "chicken crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
HEN: A specific female chicken, commonly found in farm-themed clues.
5 Letters
CHICK: A young chicken, often used in a literal sense for the animal.
FRYER: A young chicken specifically bred and used for frying, a culinary term.
6 Letters
COWARD: This is a very common answer for "chicken" when the clue refers to a person lacking courage or being timid.
7 Letters
POULTRY: A general term for domesticated birds raised for meat or eggs, which includes chickens.
ROOSTER: A male chicken, often clued with specific characteristics like crowing.
More About "chicken crossword clue"
The clue "chicken" is a classic example of a crossword clue that can have both a literal and a figurative meaning, which often makes it tricky for solvers. Literally, it refers to the common domesticated fowl, leading to answers like HEN, ROOSTER, or POULTRY. These answers are usually straightforward when the clue hints at an animal or farm setting.
However, "chicken" is perhaps most famously used in crosswords to imply timidity or cowardice. This figurative meaning often points to answers such as COWARD or FAINTHEARTED. Recognizing which meaning the setter intends is crucial and usually depends on other words in the clue or the context of the puzzle's theme.
Always consider the length of the required answer, as this will quickly narrow down the possibilities. If you have 7 letters available, 'COWARD' or 'POULTRY' are strong contenders. If only 3, 'HEN' is most likely. Pay attention to any qualifiers in the clue like "farm animal," "timid person," or "young bird" to guide your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Double Meanings: Many common words like "chicken" have multiple meanings. Always think if the clue is literal or figurative. If it seems too simple for the obvious meaning, explore synonyms for less common interpretations.
- Check Letter Count First: Before you even think of answers, check the number of letters. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps you focus on words of the correct length.
- Look for Context Clues: Words in the clue like "animal," "person," "sound," or "action" can point you towards the right meaning. For "chicken," words like "farm," "egg layer," or "cowardly" are huge hints.
- Use Cross-References: If you've filled in intersecting words, use those letters as anchors. For example, if you have an 'O' in the third position for a 7-letter answer to "chicken," it might confirm 'COWARD' over 'POULTRY'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of "chicken" in crosswords?
"Chicken" can refer to the bird itself (e.g., 'HEN', 'POULTRY') or, more commonly in crosswords, figuratively to a coward (e.g., 'COWARD', 'FEARFUL'). The surrounding clues and the number of letters will usually provide the necessary context.
How do I determine the length of the answer for "chicken crossword clue"?
The number of blank spaces or squares in the crossword grid directly indicates the required length of the answer. If the clue 'chicken' has 7 squares, 'COWARD' or 'POULTRY' could be valid solutions. Always count the available spaces carefully.
Are there synonyms for 'chicken' that might appear in clues?
Yes, depending on the intended meaning. For the bird, clues might use 'FOWL', 'POULT', or specific types like 'ROOSTER'. For the timid person, 'COWARD', 'YELLOW', 'PUSILLANIMOUS', or even 'SCAREDYCAT' could be used in the clue itself or as related words.