Chappy

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈt͡ʃæpi/

Definitions

1. An informal or shortened version of the name Charles ; a casual or affectionate way to refer to a man or boy
2. A familiar nickname derived from Charles ; a term used warmly to address or describe a male individual
3. A diminutive form of Charles used as a nickname ; a friendly expression applied to men or boys in informal contexts

Etymology: "Chappy" is a nickname for Charles, and its story runs through the word "chap," which is the root it is built on. Chap originally meant a fellow or a customer, and the -y ending here works as a diminutive, a familiar, affectionate suffix. So "chappy" is essentially "little chap," a friendly way of addressing or naming someone. Because the name Charles is the thing being shortened, the word turns a common noun for a man into a personal name. Among English speakers, the -y suffix has long been used to turn words into pet forms, which is why it appears on many nicknames and familiar terms. Here it attaches to a noun already meaning "man" and produces a word used for a particular person rather than men in general.

Synonyms: fellow, guy, bloke, chap, man

Antonyms: lady, woman, girl, female, she