adj

chummy

CHUH-mih

Chummy (adj) means Friendly and familiar, often in a way that seems overly informal. Example: “He got a bit too chummy with the new intern on her first day.”

adj

Friendly and familiar, often in a way that seems overly informal.

"He got a bit too chummy with the new intern on her first day."

"They seemed surprisingly chummy for two people who'd just met."

How to use chummy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishActing friendly and familiar, sometimes in a way that feels forced or premature.

Common mistake

Chummy can carry a slightly negative shade — implying insincere or overly casual friendliness — unlike plain "friendly".

Word forms

chummier comparative, more chummy comparative, chummies plural, chummiest superlative, most chummy superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He got a bit too _____ with the new intern on her first day.

Etymology

From chum (\"friend\") + the adjective-forming suffix -y.

Rhymes for chummy

dummy yummy mummy tummy rummy gummy crummy

See all rhymes for chummy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chummy” mean?

The word “chummy” means friendly and familiar, often in a way that seems overly informal. In plain terms, acting friendly and familiar, sometimes in a way that feels forced or premature.

How do you pronounce “chummy”?

“Chummy” is pronounced CHUH-mih (/ˈt͡ʃʌ.mɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “chummy” in a sentence?

Here is “chummy” used in a sentence: “He got a bit too chummy with the new intern on her first day.”

What part of speech is “chummy”?

“Chummy” is an adjective.