chick

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "chick" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used as a slang term to refer to a young woman or girl. For example, you could say, "Hang out with the other chicks at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is unusual, though, to see a jacket toned down rather than sexed up in a books world where the biggest news of the week looks likely to be EL James's announcement that she'll be telling the story of a BDSM relationship from the man's point of view in Grey, and where even Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar has had the chick lit treatment.

The Guardian - Books

The next year, the same pair tried again: one chick survived to take its maiden flight.

The Guardian

The writer Naomi Wolf supported the publisher's appeal to the "chick lit" audience.

The Guardian - Books

Now the novel is once again stirring up strong emotions, with the publisher Faber accused of portraying the book as glorified chick lit through its design for the book's 50th anniversary edition.

The Guardian - Books

It takes about four months for a hatched chick to be old enough to begin laying eggs, and it will typically be productive for about two years, Elam said.

The Guardian

She added: "Redesigning feminist staples and classic literary ladies to be more appealing to the larger and more lucrative chick lit audience is apparently a common practice".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

In the winter months the mulligatawny soup – a spicy variation on lentil soup cooked in south Indian style – is a perfect compliment to onion bhaji or gobi pakora (cauliflower fried in chick-pea flour).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Apart from anything else, they can do wonders with a chick-pea – not only is the humus fantastic but their chick-pea cake is delicious and best enjoyed with a cold glass of local Alhambra beer.

The Guardian - Travel

Winter literature has its own niches and sub-genres – children's books, festive chick-lit, Carol Ann Duffy's individually published poems.

The Guardian - Books

But Miss Austen's emphasis on each is different from that of today's chick-litterateurs.

The Economist

The surprise star was a Conservative newcomer elected in 2010, Louise Mensch, also known as Louise Bagshawe (the author of breathless "chick-lit" novels).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you are writing about actual baby chickens, it is safe to use it.

Common error

Avoid using "chick" in formal or professional settings; opt for more respectful terms like "woman" or "young woman."

Linguistic Context

The word "chick" functions primarily as a noun, referring either to a young bird, particularly a chicken, or, informally, to a young woman. As shown by Ludwig, its usage varies by context, but it is generally recognized as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chick" is a noun with two primary meanings: a young bird (especially a chicken) and, informally, a young woman. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples across various contexts. While very common, especially in news and media, its use must be carefully considered due to register and potential for offense. Alternatives such as "young woman" or "girl" are often more appropriate in formal settings. Therefore, be mindful of your audience and communicative intent when employing this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

girl

A straightforward and common substitute.

young woman

Replaces the informal term with a more neutral and respectful expression.

young lady

Offers a slightly more formal and polite alternative.

teenage girl

Specifically denotes a female adolescent.

young bird

Refers to the literal meaning, a baby bird, moving away from the slang.

baby bird

A more endearing and less ambiguous way to refer to a young bird.

pullet

A more specific term for a young hen, useful in agricultural contexts.

hen

A general term for a female chicken, losing the connotation of youth.

dame

An older slang term, implying a degree of maturity or experience.

biddy

An informal and sometimes derogatory term for a woman.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the term "chick"?

The term "chick" is generally appropriate in informal settings or when quoting someone. However, it can be considered offensive in more formal contexts. Consider your audience and the tone you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "chick" when referring to a young woman?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "young woman", "girl", or "young lady".

Is "chick" considered a derogatory term?

While not inherently derogatory, "chick" can be perceived as demeaning or objectifying, particularly when used by men to refer to women they don't know. Using more respectful language is advisable in professional or formal environments.

How has the usage of "chick" changed over time?

The term "chick" gained popularity in the mid-20th century. While it was once more common, its usage has declined as societal attitudes toward gender and language have evolved. It's now often seen as dated or insensitive.