champ
C1informal
Definition
Meaning
To bite or chew noisily; to show impatience or eagerness.
Informal term for a champion; to show readiness or eagerness, often used in the phrase 'champ at the bit'; (US) to mash or crush food (e.g., champed cabbage).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a verb. The noun sense meaning 'champion' is common in sports journalism and informal contexts. The core verb sense 'chew noisily' is often associated with horses and, by metaphorical extension, impatient people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb sense 'to mash or crush food' (e.g., champed potatoes) is chiefly Northern Irish and Scottish; it's less common in standard US or UK English. The phrase 'champ at the bit' is standard in both, though some style guides note 'chomp at the bit' as a common variant, especially in the US.
Connotations
In both, the noun is informal/colloquial for 'champion'. The verb can have a slightly rustic or animalistic connotation when describing chewing.
Frequency
The noun ('a champ') is more frequent in US English, particularly in sports contexts. The verb is of relatively low frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] champ at the bit (to do something)[SUBJ] champ [OBJ] (e.g., a cigar)[SUBJ] be a champVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “champ at the bit”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'Our team are real champs for hitting the quarterly target.' Metaphorical: 'Investors are champing at the bit for the IPO.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in literary analysis describing a character's impatience or animalistic traits.
Everyday
Informal praise: 'You fixed the sink? You're a champ!' Describing eagerness: 'The kids were champing at the bit to open their presents.'
Technical
Primarily in equestrian contexts describing a horse's behaviour.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The horse began to champ at its bit, eager to start the race.
- He champed his way through a tough piece of toffee.
American English
- The team is champing at the bit to get back on the field after their loss.
- She champed her gum loudly during the meeting.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form).
American English
- (No standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adjective. Typically part of a compound like 'champ-worthy').
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adjective. Typically part of a compound like 'champ-worthy').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is the swimming champ.
- The dog champed on its bone.
- After the injury, she fought hard to become the national champ.
- I could hear him champing his food from the next room.
- The reigning champ faced a fierce new challenger in the finals.
- The journalists were champing at the bit to ask the prime minister difficult questions.
- Despite being the underdog, his strategic prowess ultimately made him a worthy champ.
- Having secured the funding, the researchers were now champing at the bit to begin their groundbreaking clinical trials.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHAMPion boxer after a fight, his mouth GUARD CHAMPed (chewed) between his teeth.
Conceptual Metaphor
EAGERNESS IS AN ANIMAL READY TO RUN (from 'champ at the bit', originating from a horse eager to race).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'чемпион' (champion) in every context; the verb 'to champ' is unrelated. 'Champ at the bit' is an idiom; a direct translation ('жевать удила') would sound very odd.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'champ' as a formal synonym for 'champion'. Confusing 'champ at the bit' with 'chomp at the bit' (the latter is now widely accepted but originally a variant).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'champ' LEAST likely to be used formally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's now a very common variant of 'champ at the bit', especially in American English. Purists may prefer 'champ', but 'chomp' is widely accepted in modern usage.
No. It's an informal, colloquial term. Use 'champion', 'title holder', or 'winner' in formal contexts like academic or official reports.
As verbs for chewing, they are largely synonymous. 'Chomp' often implies a heavier, more vigorous bite. 'Champ' is the original in the idiom 'champ at the bit'.
No. The core verb is most literally used for animals (especially horses) chewing. The noun meaning champion is for people (or sometimes teams). The idiom 'champ at the bit' can be applied to people, organisations, or even abstract entities like markets.
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