Chinwag

Chinwag (noun, verb / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Have a chinwag, Chinwagging, Quick chinwag)

Definition:

A chinwag is a friendly, relaxed chat, usually over a cup of tea or a drink. To have a chinwag is to catch up with someone and talk about nothing in particular. It can also be used as a verb, as in “we chinwagged for hours”.

Where Chinwag Comes From:

Chinwag combines “chin”, the part of the face that moves when you speak, with “wag”, meaning to move back and forth. It appeared in British English in the late 1800s and was in wide use by the early 20th century. Despite its age, it remains one of the most charming and widely understood British slang words.

How People Actually Use Chinwag:

It is used for casual conversation, usually among friends or neighbours. “Fancy a chinwag?” is a warm invitation to sit down and talk. It suggests there is no rush and no agenda, so it fits with the British tradition of chatting over a brew.

Is Chinwag Used in the USA?

Not often. Americans might say “a chat”, “a catch-up” or “shooting the breeze”, but “chinwag” is understood and sometimes used for a British flavour.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Pop round for a chinwag later.”

  Meaning: Come over for a friendly chat.

• “We had a good chinwag over coffee.”

  Meaning: We had a long, pleasant conversation.

• “I just rang for a quick chinwag.”

  Meaning: I called to talk casually.

Similar Slang:

Yapping, Banter, Cuppa, Mate, Natter, Catch-up

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