chield: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic/Dialect)Literary, Archaic, Dialectal (Scots/Northern England)
Quick answer
What does “chield” mean?
A Scots and Northern English dialect word meaning 'fellow', 'young man', or 'lad'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Scots and Northern English dialect word meaning 'fellow', 'young man', or 'lad'.
Can imply a person, especially a young male, often with connotations of character (e.g., a spirited or shrewd fellow). Historically used by poets like Robert Burns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is exclusively a feature of Scots and Northern English dialect. It is virtually unknown and unused in American English.
Connotations
In the UK (Scotland), it may evoke traditional poetry/culture. In the US, it would be unrecognized or mistaken for a misspelling of 'child'.
Frequency
Extremely rare even in the UK, limited to specific cultural or literary references.
Grammar
How to Use “chield” in a Sentence
[Determiner/Adjective] + chieldchield + [relative clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or literature studies discussing Scots poetry.
Everyday
Not used in standard everyday English.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chield”
- Misspelling as 'child'.
- Using it in modern, non-dialectal contexts.
- Assuming it is standard English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a distinct Scots and Northern English dialect word meaning 'fellow' or 'lad', though it is historically related to the word 'child'.
Only if you are deliberately aiming for a Scots dialect effect, a historical setting, or a literary allusion. It is not part of standard modern English.
The Scottish national poet Robert Burns used it, as in his poem 'Address to the Deil': 'O thou! whatever title suit thee, Auld Hornie, Satan, Nick, or Clootie...' where 'Hornie' is referred to as an 'auld chield'.
The spelling is a 'false friend' to the modern word 'child'. Learners must recognize it as an archaic/dialectal term with a different meaning to avoid confusion.
A Scots and Northern English dialect word meaning 'fellow', 'young man', or 'lad'.
Chield is usually literary, archaic, dialectal (scots/northern england) in register.
Chield: in British English it is pronounced /tʃiːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃiːld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Auld Hornie (a nickname for the devil, as in 'the auld chield Hornie')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Scottish 'CHIELD' is a FELLOW with KILT and a proud HEART (using the 'ch' and 'ield' sounds).
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSON AS YOUTHFUL CHARACTER (The word packages age, gender, and often an assessment of character into one term).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'chield' most likely be encountered?