General
chinwag
What does chinwag mean?
A catch-up between people who haven't spoken in a while.
"Long overdue for a chinwag, fancy a coffee?"
Origin
British slang from the image of your chin 'wagging' as you talk. In use since the 19th century, with the modern jokey tone fully established by the 20th.
Frequently asked questions
What does chinwag mean?
It means a relaxed, often gossipy chat — 'having a chinwag' is enjoying a good natter.
Is chinwag old-fashioned?
It's a bit folksy and playful, but still used affectionately, especially among older speakers and in casual settings.
What's the difference between chinwag and natter?
They're nearly identical — both mean a long, casual chat, with chinwag sounding slightly more jokey.
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