chump

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "chump" is an acceptable word in written English.
It is often used to refer to someone who is easily taken advantage of or fooled. For example, "He was such a chump that he gave his car away for free."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He will not publicly declare at this stage that he'd prefer a 2016 referendum because it is too early to say whether it is achievable and it would leave him looking like a chump if it does not prove viable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The audience started sniggering and I felt a right chump, but was cheered the next day when listening to 5Live, where John Inverdale invented a startling new phrase: rose-cunted glasses.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Securities and Exchange Commission, which had opened a civil lawsuit against the duo, decided to avoid a trial and settled with the accused on terms dismissed by the presiding judge as "chump change".

The Economist

Wryly admitting his AFC status (average frustrated chump), Mr Strauss logs on as Style, achieves PUA stardom and becomes role model and tutor to a new generation of AFCs.

The Economist

They play by the rules".For Düsseldorf, read IKB Deutsche Industriebank, a bank that plays the role of hapless victim in the SEC's complaint against Goldman Sachs and a strong contender for the title of leading chump in the financial crisis.

The Economist

Second, the counter-culture taught young blacks that working for "chump change" was beneath their dignity.Bill Clinton fixed welfare and pushed millions of jobless women into work.

The Economist

But they now have the Good Housekeeping seal, so the chump taxpayer can breathe easy that the authorities are taking prudent measures to make sure his money is being shepherded wisely.

The Economist

The second school embraces poison pills and other defensive devices as a way to protect the primacy of the board's authority during takeovers; the first school scorns them as a diabolical way to thwart the will of shareholders.In this section Divorce Italian-style Racing certainty Champ or chump?

The Economist

The constitution seems to pit free trade among the states guaranteed in its commerce clause against states' rights.In this section Divorce Italian-style Racing certainty Champ or chump?

The Economist

Columbia says the charges should be dismissed.In this section Divorce Italian-style Racing certainty Champ or chump?

The Economist

Prize chump in the case of Libya this past fortnight has been Newt Gingrich, the Republican presidential hopeful who demanded consistency, called for intervention and turned on a dime the instant Mr Obama answered.After you, SarkoMore significant, however, is that habit of mind.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chump" when you want to convey that someone is not only foolish but also easily taken advantage of. It's stronger than simply calling someone 'stupid'.

Common error

While "chump" is acceptable in casual conversation or informal writing, it may be inappropriate for professional or academic settings where a more neutral term like 'inept' or 'naive' would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The word "chump" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a person considered foolish or easily deceived. Ludwig's examples show the word being used to label individuals in various contexts, highlighting their perceived lack of competence or susceptibility to being tricked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chump" is a commonly used noun to describe someone foolish or easily deceived. Ludwig AI indicates that it is generally considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While useful for conveying disparagement or light ridicule, it should be used cautiously in formal settings. Related terms include "fool", "idiot", and "sucker", each with slightly different nuances. Remember to use "chump" when you want to emphasize someone's vulnerability to being tricked, rather than just their lack of intelligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fool

A general term for someone lacking intelligence or good judgment.

idiot

A more derogatory term for someone very stupid or foolish.

sucker

Someone easily tricked or taken advantage of.

dupe

A person who is easily deceived or tricked.

patsy

A person who is easily manipulated or used as a scapegoat.

mark

A person targeted for deception or swindling.

gullible person

Describes someone who readily believes anything without questioning.

easy target

Highlights the vulnerability of a person to being exploited.

sap

Another term for a gullible or easily fooled person.

blockhead

A term for a very stupid person.

FAQs

How can I use "chump" in a sentence?

You can use "chump" to describe someone who is easily fooled or incompetent. For example, "He felt like a total "chump" after falling for the scam" or "Don't be a "chump", double-check your work before submitting it".

What are some synonyms for "chump"?

Alternatives to "chump" include "fool", "idiot", "sucker", "dupe", and "patsy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to call someone a "chump"?

While "chump" isn't the most offensive word, it's still a derogatory term. Use it with caution, as it can be hurtful or dismissive. Consider your audience and the context before using the word.

What's the difference between "chump" and "fool"?

"Fool" is a general term for someone lacking intelligence or good judgment. "Chump", on the other hand, specifically implies that someone is easily tricked or taken advantage of. So, a "chump" is a specific type of "fool".