chichi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often pejorative
Quick answer
What does “chichi” mean?
Excessively elaborate, showy, or affected in style or manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessively elaborate, showy, or affected in style or manner; trying too hard to be elegant or fashionable.
Can refer to things, places, or people that are pretentiously stylish, overly decorated, or characterized by fussy, artificial elegance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are very similar in both varieties. The word is slightly more established in American English, often used to describe trendy, overpriced boutiques or restaurants.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is pejorative, suggesting pretension. In AmE, it might be more readily applied to commercial establishments (shops, cafes). In BrE, it might be applied slightly more to personal style or decor.
Frequency
Uncommon in both, but marginally more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “chichi” in a Sentence
[be] chichi[seem/look/sound] chichia chichi [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chichi” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The new wine bar in Shoreditch is a bit too chichi for my taste.
- I can't stand her chichi mannerisms and over-the-top accent.
American English
- We avoided the chichi boutiques on Rodeo Drive and found a great local shop.
- The hotel lobby was full of chichi decor that felt completely impersonal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally to dismiss a competitor's marketing or store design as pretentious.
Academic
Extremely rare. Not a technical term.
Everyday
The primary context. Used in informal conversation to critique fashion, interior design, or social scenes.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chichi”
- Using it as a positive compliment (it is negative).
- Confusing it with 'chic' (which is positive).
- Spelling it as 'cheechee' or 'chi-chi'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost always a criticism, implying that something is trying too hard to be stylish and ends up seeming pretentious or fake.
'Chic' is a positive term meaning elegantly and stylishly fashionable. 'Chichi' is a negative term meaning *pretentiously* or *excessively* stylish, to the point of being tacky or ridiculous.
Yes, it can describe a person's manner, style of dress, or overall affectation. (e.g., 'He has a rather chichi way of speaking.')
It is a reduplication of the French word 'chic', meaning stylish, emphasizing an excessive or repeated application of style.
Excessively elaborate, showy, or affected in style or manner.
Chichi is usually informal, often pejorative in register.
Chichi: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃiːʃiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃiˌʃi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'chichi'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone saying 'She's so chic' but repeating it twice because they're trying too hard: 'She's *chichi*.'
Conceptual Metaphor
STYLE IS A SUBSTANCE (where too much 'style substance' becomes fake or toxic).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of the word 'chichi'?