chap
12 synonyms for chap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Informal British term for a man or fellow.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use chap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a good chap
chapped lips
chapped skin
The "fellow" sense is informal and mainly British.
Etymology
Shortened from chapman, an old word for a travelling trader or dealer.
Full origin of chap →Frequently asked questions
What does “chap” mean?
The word “chap” means informal British term for a man or fellow. In plain terms, a casual British word for "guy" or "bloke", or, as a verb, for skin cracking in the cold.
How do you pronounce “chap”?
“Chap” is pronounced chap (/t͡ʃæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “chap” in a sentence?
Here is “chap” used in a sentence: “He seems like a nice chap.”
What part of speech is “chap”?
Depending on how it is used, “chap” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “chap” a common word?
“Chap” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chap” have?
“Chap” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal British term for a man or fellow.
What is the difference between chap and guy?
Chap and guy both informally refer to a man, but chap is distinctly British in flavor and often carries a slightly old-fashioned or affectionate tone, while guy is common across American and British English alike and feels more neutral. 'A decent chap' has a gentler, more traditional feel than 'a decent guy.'
Is chap used the same way as a verb and a noun?
No, the two senses are unrelated. As a noun, chap informally means a man or fellow, while as a verb, chap describes skin cracking or becoming rough and sore, usually from cold or dry weather, as in 'my lips are chapped.'
Is calling someone a chap considered formal or informal?
Calling someone a chap is informal and colloquial, typically used in casual British English conversation rather than formal writing. It's often used affectionately or in a lighthearted way.
