Chicken

Chicken

Meaning/Usage: Being afraid or scared

Explanation: Chickens are very timid, afraid or scared of many things.  It is common to use animals to express traits such as "sly as a fox" or "strong as a bear."

"There's nothing to be scared of.  Don't be a chicken."
"Everyone thinks I'm a chicken because I didn't go bungee jumping with them."
"Stop being a chicken and just go." 

A:  "Did you ask Martha on a date?"
B:  "No.  I was about to, but I got a little nervous."
A:  "You're such a chicken."

Other Common Sentences

"I didn't know you were afraid of insects.  You're a scaredy cat."
"He's a coward.  He wouldn't even go on the rollercoaster ride."
"Jack is scared of everything.  He's such a sissy."