DictionarychitYoung child
noun

chit

A dismissive term for a young child, especially a girl.

The dismissive aunt called the girl a mere chit.

Etymology

An older use of chit names a young shoot. Applied to a child, the small-growth image can become belittling, dismissing the person as young and insignificant.

More examples

  • She resented being treated as an ignorant chit.
  • The novel uses chit to show the speaker’s contempt for a young girl.
  • The older character waved away the young chit’s objections.

Forms

chit · chits

Similar words

child
Child is neutral; chit expresses dismissive contempt, especially toward a girl.
brat
Brat criticizes behavior; chit can belittle someone simply for being young.