noun
chap
CHAP/tʃæp/
A man or boy.
The chap stands casually, wearing an ordinary, relaxed expression.
Etymology
Chap is shortened from chapman in its sense of “customer.” That commercial label became a familiar term for a fellow or boy, much as “customer” can describe a person in “a tough customer.”
In context
the three rifled boxes. He didn’t seem to notice that they had been tampered with, but passed two to the doctor. Help yourself, he said. I got these from a chap who imports them for private consumption.
More examples
- He seems a decent chap.
- Two young chaps helped carry the boxes.
- What a helpful chap your brother is.
Forms
chap · chaps
Similar words
- man
- Man is neutral; chap is an informal term, especially common in British English.