Chicken vs. Chook — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 22, 2024
"Chicken" refers to both the bird that is a common domesticated fowl and its meat, widely consumed worldwide. "Chook" is a colloquial term for chicken, primarily used in Australian and New Zealand English.
Difference Between Chicken and Chook
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chicken is a term recognized globally, referring to both the live bird known for its eggs and meat, and the meat itself, which is a staple in various cuisines. Chook, on the other hand, is an informal, endearing term used mainly in Australia and New Zealand to refer to the live bird, less commonly for the meat.
While "chicken" is used in a wide range of contexts from culinary to scientific, "chook" is more likely to be found in casual conversation and denotes a more familiar or personal relationship with the bird. For instance, someone might refer to their backyard birds as "chooks" but use "chicken" when discussing recipes or in formal discussions.
The term "chicken" is part of standard English and used in formal writing and speech. "Chook," however, is considered slang and is typically not used in formal settings or outside of its regional context.
Despite the difference in usage, both terms can refer to the same animal or its meat. The choice between "chicken" and "chook" can indicate the speaker's cultural background or the formality of the situation.
"Chicken" encompasses a broad category including various breeds and purposes, such as layers for eggs and broilers for meat. "Chook" generally doesn't distinguish between these uses and breeds, maintaining a more general and informal tone.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A domesticated fowl kept for its eggs or meat, and the meat of this bird.
Informal term for chicken, used primarily in Australian and New Zealand English.
Usage Context
Global, used in both formal and informal contexts.
Regional, used mainly in informal contexts.
Connotation
Neutral, can refer to the animal or its meat.
Endearing or casual, usually refers to the live animal.
Formality
Standard English, used in formal and scientific contexts.
Slang, not used in formal contexts.
Varieties
Can refer to specific breeds or types (e.g., broiler, layer).
Generally does not distinguish between breeds or types.
Compare with Definitions
Chicken
Domesticated bird.
The farm raises chickens for both eggs and meat.
Chook
Informal term for chicken.
We've got a few chooks in the backyard for fresh eggs.
Chicken
In culinary terms.
The recipe calls for two pounds of chicken.
Chook
Endearing term.
The kids love playing with the chooks.
Chicken
Source of meat.
Chicken is a popular choice for dinner worldwide.
Chook
Australian/New Zealand slang.
She's been feeding the chooks since dawn.
Chicken
In scientific context.
Gallus gallus domesticus is the scientific name for chicken.
Chook
Casual reference.
Our chook won first prize at the local fair.
Chicken
A domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one
Rationing was still in force and most people kept chickens
Chook
Less commonly for meat.
We're having roast chook for dinner.
Chicken
Cowardly
I was too chicken to go to court
Chook
A chicken, especially a hen.
Chicken
Withdraw from or fail in something through lack of nerve
The referee chickened out of giving a penalty
Chook
A cooked chicken; a chicken dressed for cooking.
Chicken
A common domesticated fowl (Gallus domesticus) widely raised for meat and eggs and believed to be descended from the jungle fowl G. gallus.
Chook
A fool.
Chicken
Any of various similar or related birds.
Chook
(Australia) A call made to chickens.
Chicken
The flesh of the chicken, used as food.
Chook
An imitation of the call of a chicken.
Chicken
(Slang) A coward.
Chicken
Any of various foolhardy competitions in which the participants persist in a dangerous course of action until one loses nerve and stops.
Chicken
Vulgar Slang A young gay male, especially as sought by an older man.
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
What does "chook" mean?
"Chook" is a colloquial term for chicken, predominantly used in Australian and New Zealand English, often in a more endearing or casual context.
Can "chook" refer to chicken meat as well?
While "chook" can refer to the meat, it is primarily used to refer to the live bird in a casual or affectionate manner.
Is "chook" used outside of Australia and New Zealand?
"Chook" is mainly used within Australia and New Zealand and is not commonly used or understood outside these regions.
What is a chicken?
A chicken is a common domesticated bird raised for its eggs and meat, and the term also refers to the meat of this bird.
Are there different types of chickens?
Yes, there are many breeds of chickens, including those specialized for egg-laying, meat production, or as show birds.
Why would someone use "chook" instead of "chicken"?
"Chook" is often used for its endearing or familiar connotation, especially when referring to backyard chickens or in a casual conversation.
Is it correct to use "chook" in formal writing?
"Chook" is considered slang and is typically not suitable for formal writing or contexts outside of its regional use.
What is the significance of chickens in agriculture?
Chickens play a crucial role in agriculture by providing a source of protein through their meat and eggs, as well as contributing to pest control and soil fertilization.
Can "chook" be used affectionately?
Yes, "chook" is often used affectionately, especially when referring to pet chickens or in a friendly, casual context.
How do you care for chickens/chooks?
Caring for chickens (or chooks) involves providing them with a safe coop, regular feeding, access to clean water, and protection from predators.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
