What does chaps mean in slang?
A chap is a guy or a fellow — a boy or man who’s a friend, acquaintance, or a friendly stranger.
Why do British people say chap?
Senior Member. When I lived in the UK in the 40’s and 50’s “chap” was an inoffensive word used by the upper classes. In fact “old chap” was a term of endearment. Working class people were more inclined to say “bloke”.
Can you call girls chaps?
The collaborative Wiktionary, which defines “chap” as a man or fellow, has entries for “chapess” and “chapette.” Both are defined as informal British terms for a “female chap; a woman.” Usage notes add that they’re generally found in the two plural phrases cited earlier.
Why do we call men chaps?
The slang term for man, “chap” arose from the use of the abbreviated word to mean a customer, one with whom to bargain. The word was applied to hawkers of chapbooks, broadside ballads, and similar items.
What is an old chap?
old chap (plural old chaps) (UK, dated) Affectionate term of address for a man.
What is female version of chap?
Noun. chapess (plural chapesses) (Britain, informal) A female chap; a woman.
How do you say friend in British slang?
Mate (noun) So, ‘mate’ is British slang for a friend.
What does little chap mean?
Definitions include: a person who is slight in stature, who has a short temper and something to prove. little fella.
Where did the word chaps originate from?
The word chaps is a clip of chaparejos or chaparreras, which are Mexican Spanish words for this garment, ultimately derived from Spanish chaparro, one sense of which is a low growing thicket—difficult to ride through without damage to clothing. In English, the word has two common pronunciations: [ʃæps] and [tʃæps].
What do you call a girl in UK?
In British English, “lady” is often, but not always, simply a courteous synonym for “woman”. Public toilets are often distinguished by signs showing simply “Ladies” or “Gentlemen”.