chap
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a friendly or informal way to talk about a man or boy.
n.a colloquial term for a man or fellow, typically used in a friendly or neutral manner.
Simple“He seems like a decent chap who would be happy to help us.”
In context“The old chap at the corner shop has been a fixture of the neighbourhood for over forty years.”
UsageCommonly used in British English to refer to a male of any age.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.when your skin becomes dry, sore, and cracked because of cold weather or wind.
v.to become raw, cracked, or roughened, specifically referring to the skin's reaction to cold or dry conditions.
Simple“My lips always chap if I forget to wear lip balm in the winter.”
In context“Exposure to the biting North Sea wind caused the sailors' hands to chap and bleed despite their heavy gloves.”
UsageOften used in the passive form 'chapped' as an adjective.
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.a small crack or sore spot on the skin.
n.a cleft, crack, or longitudinal fissure in the skin or a surface.
Simple“The cold weather left painful chaps on his knuckles.”
In context“The dry desert air caused deep chaps to form in the ancient wooden door.”
UsageUsually refers to skin irritation but can describe physical surfaces in literary contexts.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.the 'jaws' or parts of a tool like a vice that hold something tight.
n.one of the jaws or cheeks of a mechanical gripping tool, such as a vice.
Simple“He tightened the chaps of the vice to hold the metal pipe steady.”
In context“The technician noticed that the chaps of the clamp were worn down and could no longer provide a secure grip.”
UsagePrimarily used in mechanical or engineering contexts.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a short way to write the word 'chapter' when talking about books or stories online.
n.a clipping of the word 'chapter', frequently used in online fan-fiction communities and digital publishing forums.
Simple“I can't wait for the next chap of this story to be posted.”
In context“The author promised to upload the final chap by midnight, much to the relief of the waiting subscribers.”
UsageCommon in digital text-based communities; rarely used in formal writing.