Meaning & use
chappie
Last updated
UK/ˈtʃæp.i/
US/ˈtʃæp.i/
Meaning
nouncountableinformalBritishold-fashioned
A man or boy, mentioned in a friendly or affectionate way.
Grammar: Takes an or the and has a plural: a nice chappie, those chappies.
Patterns
- a nice chappie
- a chappie like someone
The chappie at the bakery always saves me the last loaf.
He seems a decent little chappie, so I am sure he will help.
Who is that tall chappie standing by the gate?
Word forms
| plural | chappies |
|---|
Common combinations
- a nice chappie
- Your new neighbor seems a very nice chappie.
- a funny little chappie
- There was a funny little chappie selling maps outside the castle.
- a young chappie
- A young chappie in a bow tie opened the door.
- a decent chappie
- Give him a chance; he is a decent chappie underneath.
Synonyms and how they differ
- chap
- Chap is the standard informal word and sounds natural, while chappie is more affectionate and slightly dated.
- fellow
- Fellow is a little more formal and old-fashioned, and it lacks the cozy tone of chappie.
- bloke
- Bloke is common in everyday British speech and is neutral, whereas chappie sounds playful.
Word family
- chap noun
- the shorter, more common form
- chappies noun
- the plural
Commonly confused: chappie or chapped?
chappie vs chapped
Chapped describes dry, cracked skin and has nothing to do with men. It is pronounced with a final t sound.
Practice
Which phrase best matches the tone of chappie?
Choose one answer.
Chappie is a warm, informal way to refer to a man or boy. It is not stern, legal or insulting.
Make it your own
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