chum
word
/ˈtʃəm/
chuhm
/tʃˈʌm/
chuhm
Definition
A very informal word for a close friend or companion. It can also mean bait made of fish pieces, but this use is rare compared to 'friend'.
Usage & Nuances
'Chum' is old-fashioned and very informal, mostly used in British or old American English. Modern English usually prefers 'buddy', 'pal', or just 'friend'. It's rarely used by young people. In fishing, 'chum' means bait, but that usage is specialized.
Spanish: amigo - colega (informal)Portuguese (BR): amigo - camarada (informal)Portuguese (PT): amigo - camarada (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 老友 - 密友 (口语)Chinese (Traditional): 老友 - 密友 (口語)Hindi: मित्र (अनौपचारिक) - दोस्तArabic: صديق - رفيق (غير رسمي)Bengali: বন্ধু - সঙ্গীRussian: друг - приятельJapanese: 友達 - 仲間Vietnamese: bạn thân - bạnKorean: 친구 - 절친Turkish: kanka - yakın arkadaşUrdu: دوست - یارIndonesian: sahabat - teman
Example Sentences
Back in college, Jack and I were real chums.
natural
He tossed some chum into the water to attract sharks.
natural
My chum and I play football every weekend.
basic
Tom is my best chum at school.
basic
She gave her chum a present for his birthday.
basic
"Hey, chum, want to grab some pizza after work?"
natural