chichivache: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Rare / ObsoleteArchaic, Literary, Humorous (if used)
Quick answer
What does “chichivache” mean?
A mythical beast from medieval literature, described as a creature that feeds only on good women and is thus extremely thin due to the scarcity of its food source.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mythical beast from medieval literature, described as a creature that feeds only on good women and is thus extremely thin due to the scarcity of its food source.
Used metaphorically to refer to something that is emaciated, pitifully thin, or suffers from a lack of nourishment. Sometimes used humorously or archaically to describe a scrawny person or animal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally obscure in both varieties. Any contemporary usage would be in the same extremely narrow literary or academic contexts.
Connotations
Holds a slightly stronger connection to British literary history due to its origin in Middle English poetry.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in a British context due to the study of Chaucer in the UK education system.
Grammar
How to Use “chichivache” in a Sentence
The [noun] was as thin as a chichivache.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chichivache” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- After his illness, he had a rather chichivache appearance.
American English
- The stray dog was looking chichivache and forlorn.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in literary criticism or historical linguistics discussing Middle English allegory.
Everyday
Not used. Would be incomprehensible to most speakers.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chichivache”
- Mispronouncing as /tʃaɪtʃaɪveɪtʃ/ or /kɪkɪvɑːk/.
- Using it as a common adjective for 'thin'.
- Spelling as 'chichivatch', 'chichivachee'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an obsolete, literary word from Middle English. It is not part of the modern active vocabulary.
It originates from Middle English, appearing in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer and John Lydgate. Its etymology is uncertain but may derive from Old French.
No, it would not be understood. Its use is restricted to literary discussion, historical reference, or deliberate, humorous archaism.
In its original literary context, the opposite was the 'bicorn', a mythical beast that fed on good men and was consequently very fat.
A mythical beast from medieval literature, described as a creature that feeds only on good women and is thus extremely thin due to the scarcity of its food source.
Chichivache is usually archaic, literary, humorous (if used) in register.
Chichivache: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪtʃɪvætʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪtʃɪvætʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[as] lean/starved as a chichivache”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHICken' + 'VACHE' (French for cow). A skinny, mythical cow-like creature that's all skin and bones.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCARCITY IS EMACIATION. A creature defined and physically shaped by the lack of its specific nourishment.
Practice
Quiz
The 'chichivache' is best described as a...