cool chap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cool chap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone, typically a man, who is considered stylish, relaxed, or admirable in some way. Example: "Everyone loves hanging out with Tom; he's such a cool chap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Surely this is the time to bring on a cool chap like Berbatov, who could simultaneously hold off two Bilbao centre-backs while lighting one up".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

b) driven by a super-useful chap who helps carry the bespoke wine cooler and macrobiotic nibbles for after Rupert Soames's party?

The Guardian - Opinion

Clearly Robert Harrison, the UK chap who put all of this together, is cooler than I'll ever be.

TechCrunch

After the wax is cooled take it off and put on some lip gloss or Chap stick.

WikiHow

Is he a bodiless force, a cool watchmaker, or a hot interventionist, a doer with big opinions, a busy chap up in Heaven?

The New Yorker

Check out the cool men's shops that are popping up among the post-Stonewall-era bars (leather chaps optional).

The New York Times - Style

Priceless chap.

The Guardian - Opinion

Philby was a chap.

Independent

"One chap was driving.

The New York Times

My dear young chap!

The New Yorker

What a lovely chap.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cool chap" when aiming for a slightly old-fashioned or British English tone. It adds a touch of vintage charm to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cool chap" excessively if the context is not related to British culture or characters, as it might sound out of place or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cool chap" functions primarily as a noun phrase that serves to describe a male individual. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It's an adjectival phrase modifying the noun, suggesting an admirable or stylish person.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cool chap" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, often employed to describe a man deemed stylish, agreeable, or generally admirable. As per Ludwig, it's more common in British English contexts and carries a slightly old-fashioned tone. While alternatives like "great bloke" or "pleasant fellow" exist, "cool chap" offers a unique vintage charm. Exercise caution in non-British contexts to avoid sounding out of place. Though its frequency is rare in modern language, its clear meaning and cultural associations make it a valuable expression. With its usage supported by authoritative sources like The Guardian, it remains a viable choice for specific communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great bloke

Offers a similar British English alternative to "chap".

nice fella

An informal way of describing a friendly and likeable man.

pleasant fellow

Replaces "cool" with "pleasant", focusing on agreeableness rather than style.

agreeable guy

Emphasizes the person's likability and easy-going nature.

terrific guy

Highlights the positive aspects of the man's personality.

stylish gentleman

Highlights the person's fashion sense and refined manners.

admirable character

Focuses on the person's commendable qualities and integrity.

excellent dude

Offers a more casual and modern alternative while retaining the positive connotation.

wonderful man

General term of approval, emphasizing the positive qualities of the individual.

remarkable individual

Emphasizes that the person stands out from the crowd due to their impressive qualities.

FAQs

What does the phrase "cool chap" mean?

The phrase "cool chap" is a British English idiom used to describe a man who is considered stylish, agreeable, and generally likeable. It conveys a sense of admiration and approval.

Is "cool chap" an outdated expression?

While "cool chap" has a slightly old-fashioned feel, it's still used and understood, particularly in British English. Its use can add a touch of vintage charm or indicate a specific cultural context.

What are some alternatives to saying "cool chap"?

You can use alternatives like "great bloke", "pleasant fellow", or "admirable character" depending on the context and the specific quality you want to emphasize.

How do I use "cool chap" in a sentence?

You can use "cool chap" in a sentence like: "Everyone loves hanging out with Tom; he's such a cool chap." This implies that Tom is a stylish, agreeable, and well-liked person.