chillax: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slang
Quick answer
What does “chillax” mean?
To calm down and relax, to stop being stressed or agitated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To calm down and relax, to stop being stressed or agitated.
To intentionally adopt a calm, leisurely attitude; to engage in relaxing activities without pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties, but arguably more culturally rooted in American informality, later adopted into UK slang.
Connotations
In both, it's casual and can be seen as slightly dated or 'dad joke' slang. May be used ironically.
Frequency
Peaked in popularity in the late 2000s/early 2010s. Now less frequent, but remains in the lexicon of informal speech, especially among younger and middle-aged speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “chillax” in a Sentence
Imperative: 'Chillax!'Intransitive verb: 'I'm just chillingaxing.'With adverbial: 'Chillax for a minute.'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chillax” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Just chillax, the train will be here soon.
- He told me to chillax about the meeting.
- We spent the bank holiday just chillingaxing in the garden.
American English
- Dude, chillax! It's not a big deal.
- You need to chillax and watch the game.
- I'm just going to chillax this weekend.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) He sat there, all chillax, not a care in the world.
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) She lived her life pretty chillax.
adjective
British English
- He's in a very chillax mood today.
- Let's keep the atmosphere nice and chillax.
American English
- We're having a chillax day by the pool.
- Try to adopt a more chillax attitude.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate in formal writing or meetings. Might be used very casually between close colleagues in a light-hearted email.
Academic
Never used in academic writing.
Everyday
The primary domain. Used in spoken language with friends, family, or peers in informal settings.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chillax”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it and sounding unnatural.
- Spelling as 'chillaxx' or 'chilllax'.
- Using it as a noun ('Let's have a chillax').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is recognized in modern dictionaries as an informal portmanteau word, though it is considered slang.
Only in very informal writing, such as text messages, casual social media posts, or dialogue in fiction. It is not suitable for any formal or academic writing.
'Chillax' is more informal and often implies a need to actively reduce agitation or 'chill out'. 'Relax' is the standard, neutral term. 'Chillax' carries a more specific, sometimes humorous or imperative tone.
Its peak popularity has passed, so it can sound slightly dated or be used ironically. However, it is still understood and used in casual conversation.
To calm down and relax, to stop being stressed or agitated.
Chillax is usually informal, slang in register.
Chillax: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɪˈlæks/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɪˈlæks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chillax, don't killax.”
- “Chillax to the max.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHILL + relaX = CHILLAX. Think of someone who is too chilled they're almost lax (loose).
Conceptual Metaphor
STRESS IS TENSION / RELAXATION IS LOOSENING (chill) + RELAXATION IS REST (relax).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'chillax' be MOST appropriate?