chippy

Definition

  1. Noun (British informal):

    • A fish-and-chip shop: "chippy" is a colloquial term for a shop or takeaway that sells fish and chips.
    • A carpenter: In informal usage, particularly in Australian and New Zealand English, "chippy" refers to a carpenter.

  2. Adjective (informal):

    • Irritable or touchy: "chippy" describes a person who is easily annoyed, grumpy, or in a bad mood.
    • Slightly drunk: In British slang, "chippy" can mean feeling lightheaded or hungover.

  3. Noun (dated American slang):

    • A prostitute or promiscuous woman: This usage is now rare and considered offensive.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (fish-and-chip shop):

    • Let's go to the chippy for dinner tonight. (Let's visit the shop that sells fish and chips.)

  • Noun (carpenter):

    • The chippy is building a new shelf in the kitchen. (The carpenter is constructing a shelf.)

  • Adjective (irritable):

    • He's been a bit chippy all morning because he didn't sleep well. (He has been easily annoyed and grumpy.)

  • Adjective (slightly drunk):

    • After two beers, she felt a little chippy. (She felt slightly intoxicated or lightheaded.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Chippy" in British slang: Often used in casual conversation to refer to the local takeaway.

    • I'm craving chips; I'll pop down to the chippy. (I will go to the fish-and-chip shop.)

  • "Chippy" in Australian slang: Commonly used for a carpenter, especially in construction contexts.

    • The chippy finished the framing today. (The carpenter completed the wooden structure.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Chippy/chippie (noun): Alternative spelling for the fish-and-chip shop or carpenter.
    • The chippie on the corner makes the best chips. (The fish-and-chip shop at the corner.)
  • Chippiness (noun): The state of being irritable.
    • His chippiness was obvious after the argument. (His irritable mood was clear.)
Synonyms
  • Irritable: easily annoyed.
  • Touchy: oversensitive.
  • Grumpy: bad-tempered.
  • Carpenter: a skilled woodworker.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Chippy off: (rare) to leave or depart abruptly.
    • He chippied off without saying goodbye. (He left suddenly.)
Related Idioms
  • "Have a chippy on one's shoulder": to be resentful or have a grudge (variant of "chip on one's shoulder").
    • She has a chippy on her shoulder about being overlooked for promotion. (She feels resentful and angry about not being promoted.)