chevy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/LowInformal, slightly archaic or literary.
Quick answer
What does “chevy” mean?
To chase or pursue someone persistently, often playfully or to harass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To chase or pursue someone persistently, often playfully or to harass.
To subject someone to persistent, annoying, or aggressive pursuit, questioning, or pressure; to worry or harass.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is of British origin and is primarily used in British English, though it is rare even there. In American English, it is virtually unknown and likely to be confused with the brand name 'Chevrolet' (shortened to 'Chevy').
Connotations
In BrE, it has historical/literary connotations of a hunt or chase. In AmE, the primary association is the car brand, making the verb form confusing or unrecognizable.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally more recognizable in BrE. Most common in fixed phrases like 'chevy chase' or historical/literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chevy” in a Sentence
[Subject] chevy [Object][Subject] chevy [Object] [Prepositional Phrase (e.g., about, round, out of)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chevy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The older children would constantly chevy the little ones around the garden.
- He felt chevied by the press into giving a statement.
American English
- (American usage would be exceptionally rare, likely only in literary pastiche) The detectives chevied the suspect from one hideout to another.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival use.)
American English
- (No standard adjectival use.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or in regional UK dialects.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chevy”
- Using it as a noun for a car in a sentence where the verb is intended, creating confusion. (e.g., 'I'm going to chevy him' sounds like 'I'm going to Chevrolet him').
- Assuming it is common modern vocabulary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are etymologically unrelated. The verb 'chevy' is from British English, while 'Chevy' for the car is a shortening of 'Chevrolet'.
It's possible but risky due to its rarity. It has an old-fashioned or literary feel. In most contexts, synonyms like 'chase', 'hound', or 'pester' are clearer.
It comes from the ballad 'The Ballad of Chevy Chase', about a border skirmish (a chase) on the Cheviot Hills. The verb likely influenced the name.
Very rarely. Historically, it could mean a chase or pursuit, but the verb form is more (though still rarely) attested.
To chase or pursue someone persistently, often playfully or to harass.
Chevy is usually informal, slightly archaic or literary. in register.
Chevy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛvi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛvi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To lead someone a merry (or pretty) dance (similar in meaning of causing to chase fruitlessly). Note: 'chevy chase' itself is a place name originating from this verb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Chevrolet (Chevy) car CHASING another car down the street. 'Chevy' = CHASE.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARASSMENT IS A PHYSICAL PURSUIT / CHASING IS ANNOYING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of the verb 'to chevy'?