chic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'chic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something fashionable or stylish. For example: She wore a chic navy dress to the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She lives in a chic boho neighbourhood in São Paulo, a world away from Guaratiba, Rio.

The Guardian

00 800 300 200 00; angsana.com 4. Tangier: a city with a new lease of life Louche, laid-back and a bit seedy, Tangier is undergoing something of a transformation into a chic destination, ideal for people who like their Morocco experiences to still have a little edginess.

The Guardian - Travel

The 18th century was a golden age; industrialisation in the 19th century brought it to the working classes, and ruined it for the chic and rich; in the late 20th century, wallpaper was passé, but for the past decade it has been back in the fashion spotlight, thanks to the extraordinary creativity of designers such as these.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is homely yet chic, with Tasmanian oak flooring, café latte-coloured walls and a series of colourful photographs taken by one of the owners.

The Guardian - Travel

Monique Derre bought the house a year ago specifically to turn it into a chic chambre d'hôte.

The Guardian - Travel

Where to eat All beach-hut chic and artfully mismatched furniture, Strandpaviljoen SB Noord is where Amsterdam's fashionable folk come to get a bit of sand between their toes while dining on Italian-inspired dishes (strandpaviljoennoord.nl).nl

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, it discovered that her "wildest weekend" involved wearing some clothes that apparently constitute "boho chic", being seen talking to Justin Bieber and complaining when she found someone sitting in a seat reserved for her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or the chic: The Mission's Delfina, with its farm-to-table ethos and queues.

The Guardian - Travel

A far better bet for cut-price chic is to forget the designer label altogether and try the multitude of high-quality leather goods stores.

The Guardian - Travel

That said, it's hard to imagine something so scabrous winning the approval of the Mercury judges, whose vision of music that represents Britain appears to be based on viewing Britain as a place where people drink designer beers in chic bars, not cans of lager on sagging sofas.

The Guardian - Music

It was all very radical chic, though not all of the urban guerrilla movement's heroes, political or intellectual, would stand up to robust scrutiny now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chic" to describe something that is both stylish and elegant, often implying a sense of understated sophistication. It's particularly effective when referring to clothing, design, or overall ambiance.

Common error

Avoid using "chic" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "stylish" or "elegant" might be more appropriate. While generally acceptable, its slight connotation of trendiness may not suit all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chic" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as stylish and elegant. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used in a descriptive manner to add flair.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chic" is a grammatically correct adjective, commonly used to describe something as stylish and elegant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly within News & Media contexts. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the writing context. Alternatives such as "stylish", "elegant", and "sophisticated" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Employ "chic" when you want to emphasize understated sophistication and effortless style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stylish

A general term for being fashionable and up-to-date.

Elegant

Emphasizes grace and refinement in appearance or style.

Fashionable

Focuses on adherence to current trends in clothing and accessories.

Trendy

Highlights being up-to-the-minute with the latest styles.

Smart

Suggests a neat and well-put-together appearance.

Voguish

Similar to fashionable, but perhaps more fleeting or trend-based.

Modish

Implies being in accordance with or following what is currently popular.

Sophisticated

Highlights a refined and cultured taste in fashion.

Dapper

Typically used for men, suggesting a neat and stylish appearance.

In vogue

Being currently fashionable or popular.

FAQs

How can I use "chic" in a sentence?

You can use "chic" to describe something that is stylish and elegant. For instance, "She wore a "chic dress" to the party" or "The hotel had a "chic design"".

What words are similar to "chic"?

Alternatives to "chic" include "stylish", "elegant", "fashionable", and "sophisticated". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "chic" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "chic" might be more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. For highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "elegant" or "sophisticated", which carry a more neutral tone.

What does "chic" imply beyond just being stylish?

"Chic" often implies a sense of understated sophistication and effortless style. It suggests not just being fashionable, but also having a certain refined and tasteful quality.