chap
Chap (noun) means informal British term for a man or fellow. Example: “He seems like a nice chap.”
How to use chap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual British word for "guy" or "bloke", or, as a verb, for skin cracking in the cold.
The "fellow" sense is informal and mainly British.
Word forms
chapped past tense, chaps plural, chaps plural, chaps plural, Chaps plural, chaps singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He seems like a nice _____.
Etymology
Shortened from chapman, an old word for a travelling trader or dealer.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for chap
See all rhymes for 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.
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