chic sale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareHumorously Informal, Archaic, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “chic sale” mean?
A humorous or euphemistic term for an outdoor toilet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A humorous or euphemistic term for an outdoor toilet; an outhouse.
Refers humorously to an outdoor privy or lavatory, especially one not connected to indoor plumbing. The term originates from a 1929 humorous book and a popular stage sketch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is of American origin and was used primarily in the US, especially in rural and small-town contexts. In the UK, equivalents like 'privy', 'outhouse', or the brand name 'Elsan' were more common.
Connotations
In both regions, it's an antiquated, lighthearted euphemism, often invoking nostalgia. More likely to be understood in North America due to the source material's origin.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. Mostly found in historical accounts, jokes, or literature.
Grammar
How to Use “chic sale” in a Sentence
The + chic sale + verb (stood, was built)adjective + chic sale (rustic, wooden)preposition + chic sale (in the, to the)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chic sale” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not used as a standard adjective]
American English
- [Not used as a standard adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or cultural studies of early 20th-century America, architecture, or sanitation.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary everyday speech; would likely cause confusion.
Technical
Not used in plumbing or sanitation engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chic sale”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chic sale”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chic sale”
- Using it as a contemporary term for a bathroom.
- Capitalising it as 'Chic Sale' when referring to the structure (though it originates from a proper name).
- Thinking it refers to a type of commercial transaction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and humorous euphemism. It is rarely used or understood in modern English outside of historical contexts.
It comes from a 1929 humorous booklet titled 'The Specialist' written by American vaudeville performer Charles 'Chic' Sale, which gave comically elaborate advice on building the perfect outhouse.
No, using it for a modern indoor toilet would be incorrect and confusing. It specifically refers to a detached, outdoor privy.
Treat it as a historical curiosity or a piece of cultural trivia. It is not essential for active vocabulary but useful for understanding older texts or American rural humour.
A humorous or euphemistic term for an outdoor toilet.
Chic sale is usually humorously informal, archaic, colloquial in register.
Chic sale: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃiːk ˈseɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃiːk ˈseɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No standard idioms. The term itself functions as a humorous euphemism.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a very stylish (chic) bargain (sale) that turns out to be a humble outhouse—a humorous let-down.
Conceptual Metaphor
A humorous euphemism, where a person's name (Chic Sale) becomes a metonym for the object (a booklet about outhouses) and then the object itself.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'chic sale' most accurately described as?