chappie

Definition

1. Noun (informal, chiefly British):
   • A young man, especially one who is well-dressed, fashionable, or perceived as a dandy or "man about town." The term often carries a slightly playful or affectionate tone, implying a certain charm or self-assurance.

Usage Examples

• (A young man who dresses smartly and stylishly.)
• (A pleasant young man encountered socially.)
• (A young man with an air of confidence or self-importance.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used in a slightly nostalgic or old-fashioned context, evoking a bygone era of gentlemen and social clubs.
• It can be used humorously or ironically to describe someone who is trying too hard to be fashionable.
• (A young man who follows traditional, courteous manners.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chappy (noun): an alternative spelling or variant of "chappie," with the same meaning.
  • He’s a cheerful chappy, always ready with a joke. (A friendly young man.)
• Chap (noun): the root word, meaning a man or boy (informal). "Chappie" is a diminutive or affectionate form.
  • He’s a decent chap. (A good, honest man.)

Synonyms

• Dandy: a man who is excessively concerned with his appearance and fashion.
• Fop: a man who is vain about his appearance and manners.
• Blade: (dated slang) a lively, dashing young man.
• Gentleman: a man of good social position and manners (more formal).

Related Idioms

• A bit of a chappie: used to describe someone who is slightly affected or pretentious in their style.
  • He’s a bit of a chappie, with his monocle and walking stick. (He overdresses or acts in an old-fashioned, dandyish way.)

Phrasal Verbs

(No common phrasal verbs are formed with "chappie"; the word is used only as a noun.)