# chipper

/ˈtʃɪpɝ/ (US) · /tʃˈɪpɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chipper
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. cheerful

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

feeling happy, energetic, and positive.

For teachers: exhibiting a lively optimism or cheerful disposition.

- You seem very chipper this morning; did you get some good news?
- Despite the early hour and the pouring rain, the tour guide remained remarkably chipper, greeting every guest with a wide smile.

### 2. fish and chip shop

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Dialect · Informal

a shop that sells fried fish and chips to take away.

For teachers: a fast-food outlet specialising in deep-fried fish and potato chips.

- We decided to stop at the chipper for dinner on our way home.
- The local chipper is a Friday night staple for many families in the neighbourhood, often seeing long queues out the door.

Usage: Commonly used in Ireland and parts of Scotland and Northern England.

Teaching tip: Learners should be aware that while 'chip shop' is understood across the UK, 'chipper' is the standard term in Hiberno-English.

### 3. wood-processing machine

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a machine used for cutting wood into small pieces.

For teachers: a mechanical device designed to reduce wood, such as tree limbs or trunks, into smaller chips.

- The gardeners brought a wood chipper to clear the fallen branches.
- Safety protocols must be strictly followed when operating the industrial chipper to prevent serious injury from flying debris.

### 4. golf club

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of golf club used for short, low shots near the green.

For teachers: a specific type of golf club designed for executing chip shots, typically having a loft similar to a mid-iron.

- He pulled his chipper out of the bag to get the ball onto the green.
- While many professionals prefer using a wedge, high-handicap players often find a dedicated chipper more forgiving for short approach shots.

## Examples

- The team was chipper after winning the championship.
- Even though the game was tough, the players stayed chipper and celebrated their small victories.
- The manager's chipper attitude helped lift the morale of the entire staff, making the difficult transition to the new software much more manageable.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.