charley
word
/ˈtʃɑɹɫi/
CHAR-lee
/ˈtʃɑːli/
CHAH-lee
Definition
A charley is an informal word, usually heard in the expression "charley horse," for a sudden painful muscle cramp, especially in the leg.
Usage & Nuances
Rare on its own; learners will almost always see "charley horse," not just "charley." It is informal and common in spoken American English. Use "muscle cramp" in neutral or medical contexts.
Spanish: calambrePortuguese (BR): cãibraPortuguese (PT): cãibraChinese (Simplified): 肌肉痉挛 - 抽筋Chinese (Traditional): 肌肉痙攣 - 抽筋Hindi: मांसपेशियों में ऐंठन - अकड़नArabic: تشنج عضلي - شد عضليBengali: অস্বস্তিকর পেশীর টান (চার্লে হর্স)Russian: судорога (charley horse)Japanese: こむら返り（charley horse）Vietnamese: chuột rút (charley horse)Korean: 쥐 (charley horse)Turkish: kramp (charley horse)Urdu: پٹھے میں کھچاؤ (چارلی ہارس)Indonesian: kram otot (charley horse)
Example Sentences
I got a charley in my leg last night.
basic
Stop running if you feel a charley coming on.
basic
She woke up with a painful charley in her calf.
basic
I was fine during the game, but a charley hit me the second I sat down.
natural
Give me a second—I’ve got a charley in my thigh.
natural
I think sleeping in that position gave me a charley.
natural