chap crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "chap," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by length, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "chap crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GUY: A common informal term for a man.
LAD: A boy or young man, often used informally.
4 Letters
CHUM: A close friend, often used informally for a male friend.
DUDE: An informal term for a man, especially popular in American English.
5 Letters
BLOKE: An informal British English term for a man.
6 Letters
FELLOW: A man or boy; can also mean a companion or peer.
More About "chap crossword clue"
"Chap" is a versatile word in the English language, but in the context of crosswords, it almost exclusively refers to an informal term for a man. It’s a classic crossword staple because it has several common synonyms that fit various letter counts. This makes it a great clue for setters to use when they need to fill in specific word lengths like 3, 4, 5, or 6 letters.
The term "chap" itself has roots in the 17th century, derived from "chapman" (a peddler or merchant). Over time, its meaning evolved to describe a familiar male acquaintance. Its informal nature means it often appears in clues designed to evoke casual conversation or British slang, which can sometimes provide an extra hint about the required answer's tone or origin.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the crossword grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for clues like "chap."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved crossing words. If you have an 'L' from a vertical clue, and the 'chap' clue needs a 3-letter word, 'LAD' becomes a strong candidate over 'GUY'.
- Consider Regional Slang: Some answers for "chap" like BLOKE might suggest a British context, while DUDE leans more American. If other clues in the puzzle hint at a specific regional dialect, this can be a valuable clue.
- Think About Nuances: While all answers mean 'man', some have slight nuances (e.g., LAD for a young man, CHUM for a friend). Consider if the surrounding clues or puzzle theme suggest a more specific connotation.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'chap' typically mean in crosswords?
'Chap' in crosswords most commonly refers to a man or boy, often used informally. Common answers include GUY, LAD, FELLOW, or BLOKE, depending on the letter count and other intersecting clues.
Are there other meanings of 'chap' I should know for crosswords?
While less common for the clue 'chap' itself, 'chap' can also refer to a specific type of protective leather leg covering worn by cowboys (chaps), or as a verb meaning to crack or become rough (as in chapped lips). However, in most standard crosswords, the primary meaning for 'chap' as a noun is 'man'.
How do I find the right answer when there are multiple possibilities for 'chap'?
The key is to combine the number of letters required for the answer with any letters provided by intersecting words. For example, if you need a 3-letter word and an intersecting clue gives you an 'L', 'LAD' is a better fit than 'GUY'.