chipper
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.feeling happy, energetic, and positive.
adj.exhibiting a lively optimism or cheerful disposition.
Simple“You seem very chipper this morning; did you get some good news?”
In context“Despite the early hour and the pouring rain, the tour guide remained remarkably chipper, greeting every guest with a wide smile.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a shop that sells fried fish and chips to take away.
n.a fast-food outlet specialising in deep-fried fish and potato chips.
Simple“We decided to stop at the chipper for dinner on our way home.”
In context“The local chipper is a Friday night staple for many families in the neighbourhood, often seeing long queues out the door.”
UsageCommonly used in Ireland and parts of Scotland and Northern England.
Teacher's tipLearners should be aware that while 'chip shop' is understood across the UK, 'chipper' is the standard term in Hiberno-English.
Synonymschip shop - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a machine used for cutting wood into small pieces.
n.a mechanical device designed to reduce wood, such as tree limbs or trunks, into smaller chips.
Simple“The gardeners brought a wood chipper to clear the fallen branches.”
In context“Safety protocols must be strictly followed when operating the industrial chipper to prevent serious injury from flying debris.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a type of golf club used for short, low shots near the green.
n.a specific type of golf club designed for executing chip shots, typically having a loft similar to a mid-iron.
Simple“He pulled his chipper out of the bag to get the ball onto the green.”
In context“While many professionals prefer using a wedge, high-handicap players often find a dedicated chipper more forgiving for short approach shots.”
From English dialectal kipper (“nimble; frisky”), of obscure origin. Perhaps akin to Old Norse kjapt (“briskly; impetuously”), kippa ("to snatch; pull; jerk" > Middle English kippen (“to seize”)), kipra (“to wrinkle; draw tightly”), Norwegian kjapp (“fast; brisk”), Dutch kippen (“to seize; catch; grip”). More at kip.
From chip + -er.
Compare cheep, chirp.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.