Dictionary

begin with the chucky en · VERB

Etymology

From a story in which a frugal mother recalls how she used to eat cheap foods such as porridge before becoming wealthy enough to afford chucky (“chicken”).

Meanings

1. (obsolete) To live beyond one's means.
   • Half the world now begins with the 'chucky'. 1865, English Women's Domestic Magazine, page 89:
   • Recollect and apply the general principle involved in the lament over "Andrew's imprudence," and don't "begin with the chucky"! 1871, Young people, The Juvenile instructor and companion, page 220:
   • Our son Andrew has now got a shop and a wife too. He is trying his hand both at business and at housekeeping : but. oh, sir ! he has made an awfu' mistake : he has begun with the chucky ! 1891, The Quiver:

Forms