Chap
Meaning: Man, fellow (somewhat old-fashioned)
British term for a man, slightly more refined or old-fashioned than 'bloke.' 'Good chap' suggests a gentleman.
Examples
- He's a decent chap. 他是个正派人。Es un tipo decente.彼は立派な人だ。그는 괜찮은 사람이야.
- Good chap! 好样的!¡Buen hombre!いい人だね!좋은 사람이네!
- The chap over there. 那边那位先生。El caballero de allí.あそこの紳士。저기 있는 신사.
- Old chap.老伙计。Viejo amigo.老友よ。이봐, 친구.
Pronunciation
/tʃæp/
Usage Guide
Context: referring to men, friendly
Tone: friendly, slightly formal
✓ Do Say
- Good chap.好样的Buen hombreいい人좋은 사람.
- Nice chap.好人Buen tipoいい男괜찮은 사람.
- Old chap.老伙计Viejo amigo老友이봐, 친구.
✗ Don't Say
- Can sound old-fashioned可能听起来老派Puede sonar anticuado古風に聞こえることがある구식으로 들릴 수 있음
- May seem posh可能显得讲究Puede parecer elegante上品に聞こえることがある상류층 느낌이 날 수 있음
Common Mistakes
- More refined than 'bloke'
- Can sound deliberately old-fashioned
Origin & History
Shortened from 'chapman' (trader/merchant). Became general term for man. Now somewhat old-fashioned or deliberately refined.
Etymology: From chapman (trader/merchant)
First recorded: British usage from 16th century
Cultural Context
Era: 16th century onwards
Generation: Older speakers or ironic use
Social background: Middle/upper class associations
Pop culture: Period dramas; Deliberately old-fashioned speech
Regional notes: British. Sounds old-fashioned or deliberately posh now.
Variations
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