name
Charlie
CHAHR-lee
name
1
A given name used for both men and women, an informal short form of Charles, Charlotte, or Charlene.
"Charlie waved from across the street."
noun
1
(informal, British) A foolish or silly person.
"He felt like a right charlie after tripping in front of everyone."
2
(slang) Cocaine.
"The film glamorised a lifestyle built around parties and charlie."
3
The radio alphabet code word for the letter C.
"The pilot confirmed, "Charlie, Alpha, Tango.""
How to Use Charlie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly a first name; in slang it can also mean a fool or, in Britain, cocaine.
When to use it
The "fool" and "cocaine" senses are informal slang — avoid in formal writing.
Word Forms
Charlies plural, Charlies plural
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_____ waved from across the street.
Etymology
A pet form of Charles; the slang senses (fool, cocaine) developed later through informal British and American usage.