chum
/tʃʌm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A close friend; a pal: "chum" refers to a very good friend, often used in informal contexts to denote companionship and camaraderie.
- Bait for fishing: "chum" is a mixture of chopped fish and fish oils thrown into the water to attract fish.
- A type of salmon: "chum" is a large Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) with small dark spots, also known as dog salmon.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Friend):
- He's been my chum since we were in kindergarten.
- I'm going to the movies with a few of my old chums.
- Noun (Bait):
- The fishermen used chum to attract sharks to the boat.
- Preparing the chum is a messy but necessary part of the fishing trip.
- Noun (Fish):
- Chum salmon are known for their distinctive spawning colors.
- We caught several chum in the river this season.
Advanced Usage
- "Chum around": to spend time with someone as a friend; to pal around.
- They used to chum around together all the time in college.
- "Chum up (with/to)": to become friendly with someone.
- He quickly chummed up with the other new employees.
Variants and Related Words
- Chummy (adj): very friendly or intimate.
- The two politicians were surprisingly chummy during the debate.
- Chumminess (n): the quality of being chummy; friendly intimacy.
Synonyms
- Buddy (n): a close friend; a companion.
- Pal (n): a friend.
- Mate (n, chiefly UK/Aus): a friend.
- Bait (n): something used to lure fish or animals.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Chum around: (see "Advanced Usage" above).
- Chum up: (see "Advanced Usage" above).
Related Idioms
- Chum in the water: a situation or thing that is likely to attract aggressive attention or trouble (derived from the fishing bait meaning).
- Releasing that controversial statement was like throwing chum in the water for the media.
Noun
- a large Pacific salmon with small spots on its back; an important food fish
- bait consisting of chopped fish and fish oils that are dumped overboard to attract fish
- a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities