English edit

Etymology edit

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun edit

spring chicken (plural spring chickens)

  1. A chicken for eating while it is still young.
  2. (chiefly in negative constructions) A person who is still young.
    • 2014, William Friedman, Hearts and Minds, page 64:
      It is a special day for you indeed, for both of us, bodies incorporeal, receptive always to life's joys appreciative in any way I can, you like to remind me were both getting old; I'd remind you that, at fifty-five, you're still a spring chicken.

Derived terms edit