Now woke scientists want to change the dictionary definition of CHICKEN - to remove its meaning as 'a coward'

The next time you call someone a chicken, think again – animal rights activists want the insult banned. Campaign group PETA has written to the Oxford English Dictionary, demanding it scrap the definition of chicken as a cowardly or faint–hearted person.In a letter to chief editor Michael Proffitt, the organisation claims the description is unfair, inaccurate and harmful to the bird's reputation.PETA argues that linking chickens with cowardice promotes speciesism – the belief that animals are inferior to humans.According to the group, the stereotype also helps justify the treatment of chickens in the food industry.The campaign is being spearheaded by Elisa Allen, PETA's vice president of programmes.In her letter, she says: 'We're writing on behalf of chickens, those who care about them, and anyone who appreciates accuracy in language, to ask you to please update your entry for the informal adjective "Chicken," currently defined as "A faint–hearted person; a coward".'Not only is this definition deeply unfair to chickens, but it also perpetuates a stereotype that couldn't be further from the truth.' Campaign group PETA has written to the Oxford English Dictionary, demanding it scrap the definition of 'chicken' as a cowardly or faint–hearted person PETA argues that linking chickens with cowardice promotes speciesism – the belief that animals are inferior to humansIn the letter, Ms Allen says chickens are 'curious – and often, remarkably brave'.She points out that mother hens will put themselves in danger to protect their young, while roosters defend their flocks from threats.PETA also notes that chickens can recognise more than 100 faces, communicate using dozens of vocalisations and form complex social hierarchies.'Words matter,' Ms Allen wrote. 'They shape how we perceive others, and in turn, how we treat them.'The charity argues that portraying chickens as cowards reinforces the idea that they are undeserving of respect.Its letter goes on to condemn modern farming practices, claiming chickens are routinely crammed into sheds before being slaughtered for food.Ms Allen also says humans have 'the audacity' to label chickens cowards while benefiting from their suffering. The charity argues that portraying chickens as cowards reinforces the idea that they are undeserving of respect. Pictured: The letter in full PETA has previously argued that chickens at some UK farms were found 'miserable, bleeding, decomposing or dead' when investigators visitedThe group is now urging the dictionary's editors to remove what it calls a derogatory definition altogether.'Portraying chickens as cowardly reinforces the notion that these sensitive, intelligent animals are somehow inferior and undeserving of respect,' the letter adds.'This, in part, leads us to exploit hens for their eggs, burdening their bodies to the point of agony before we slaughter them.'It sees us cram birds into sheds, denying them space to stretch a wing or see sunlight, before we slit their throats and devour their flesh.'It causes us to abuse and kill over one billion feeling chickens each year in the UK alone.'Ms Allen concludes: 'PETA encourages the Oxford English Dictionary to reject mischaracterisations of chickens and update its definition to reflect their natural intelligence, communication skills, and empathy for others.'The intervention is the latest in a long line of headline–grabbing campaigns from the animal rights organisation.PETA regularly targets celebrities, restaurants and food brands in its efforts to encourage people to adopt plant–based diets.Earlier this year, the organisation asked the Oxford English Dictionary to update its definition of 'wool' to include plant–based alternatives.Last month, it urged Nigella Lawson to change her famous Ham in Coca–Cola recipe, which features a gammon joint gently simmered in the fizzy drink before being glazed and baked.The activists urged Nigella to ditch the pork and replace it with a vegan alternative.In a letter to the cook, PETA vice president Dawn Carr said: 'Pigs are intelligent, emotionally complex individuals. They use a range of sounds to communicate, can learn to play computer games and will comfort their friends who are feeling anguished or stressed.'Despite pigs being playful and clever, they're tortured for meat.'Updating your Ham in Coca–Cola to feature healthy vegan ham instead of a pig's bottom wouldn't just be a mouthwatering step towards human health – it would help save gentle animals from being reduced to body parts.'The Oxford English Dictionary and Mr Proffitt have been approached for comment.