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Definition of chav

chav

/tʃæv/
chav
Plural:chavs
•
Adjective:chavvy
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chav Lexical Profile

chav Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A derogatory British slang term for a young person, typically of working-class background, associated with brash or loutish behavior and wearing real or imitation designer sportswear.

Example

"The sociological study examined how British tabloid media popularized the stereotype of the chav during the early 2000s."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for chav
Antonyms
View all antonyms for chav

Word Nuance & Usage

Used exclusively in British slang as a strongly pejorative and classist stereotype; despite popular urban legends, it is not an acronym for 'Council Housed And Violent'.

• Rhymes for chav

• Nearby Words

chauffeur
chauvinism
chauvinist
chav
chavez
chaya
chayote

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 20th-century British slang, most likely derived from the Anglo-Romani word 'chavi' (meaning 'child' or 'youth').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Chav. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/chav
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