Chickens in culture

Chickens are prominent in culture across the globe. From home decorating trends to iconic movie roles and book characters, the love of chickens has been celebrated throughout the ages – including our modern pop culture. See how our favorite fowl has graced the lives, homes, books, and screens of our culture throughout the years.

Chickens on the big screen

Chickens have played roles in movies and television shows over the years. From main characters to quirky sidekicks and pets, here are some famous chicken characters that you may recognize:

“Heihei” from Moana (2016)
“Foghorn Leghorn” from Looney Tunes (1946-1964)
“Lady Kluck” from Robin Hood (1973)
“Chickaletta” from Paw Patrol (2013-present)
“Chanticleer” from Rock-a-Doodle (1991)
“Chick” and “Chick Jr.” from the TV show Friends (18 episodes)

There are also movies and shows all about chickens. Some of these include:

Chicken Run (2000)
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)
Chicken People (2017)
Chicken Squad (2021-2022)

Chicken expressions

Some of the most common idioms in the English language relate to chickens. See how many of these you’ve heard before:

“No spring chicken” - not as young as you once were
“Chicken and egg situation” - which came first?
“Fly the coop” - to leave home
“Chicken out” - nervous reluctance
“Hen party” - women only
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” - not every egg (or idea) will come to fruition
“Handwriting like chicken scratch” - illegible scribbles
“Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” - diversify your assets
“Rule the roost” - be in complete control
“Madder than a wet hen” - if you know, you knowl
“Feeling cooped up” - in cramped quarters (before Omlet chicken coops)

Names for chickens

Want to diversify your vocabulary? Try referring to your chickens in a different language for a cultured spin. Here are different words for “chicken” across the globe:

Arabic - farkha
Australian Englsh - chook
Chinese - ji
Dutch - kip
French - poulet
German - huhn
Russian - kuritsa
Spanish - pollo
Turkish - tavuk

Omlet and your chickens

From culture to coop, chickens have been influential to societies all over the world. And because these birds have captured the hearts of so many, their presence as valued pets is what moved Omlet to create chicken products as influential as the hens they house. From chicken coops and chicken runs to unique chicken perches and chicken swings, create the perfect space for your pop-cultured flock.