chin
B1Neutral (used across formal, informal, and technical registers)
Definition
Meaning
The protruding part of the face below the mouth, formed by the lower jaw.
1. Metaphorically, a symbol of determination or resilience (e.g., 'keep your chin up'). 2. In anatomy, the mental prominence of the mandible. 3. In sports like boxing, a vulnerable target. 4. In climbing, a type of hold or a challenging move.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun referring to a body part. Can be used metaphorically to denote fortitude or as a verb in informal contexts (to chin someone).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The verb 'to chin' (meaning to hit on the chin) is slightly more common in UK boxing/slang contexts.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The idiom 'take it on the chin' (accept adversity bravely) is equally common.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + chin (e.g., stroke one's chin)[adjective] + chin (e.g., a prominent chin)chin + [noun] (e.g., chin hair)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep your chin up”
- “Take it on the chin”
- “Chin wag (UK informal chat)”
- “Up to one's chin in something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear metaphorically: 'The CEO took the criticism on the chin.'
Academic
Common in anatomical, biological, and anthropological texts.
Everyday
Very common in descriptions of appearance, health, and idiomatic expressions.
Technical
Used in dentistry, surgery, anthropology (e.g., chin morphology).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The boxer was chinned in the third round.
- I'll chin him if he says that again!
American English
- The fighter got chinned with a lucky shot.
- He threatened to chin the loudmouth.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use. 'Chin first' is a phrase.)
- He fell chin first onto the mat.
American English
- (No standard adverbial use. 'Chin up' is an idiom.)
- She landed chin down in the mud.
adjective
British English
- He has a very chin-forward posture.
- The chin strap on the helmet was loose.
American English
- The helmet's chin cup was uncomfortable.
- She underwent chin augmentation surgery.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a small beard on his chin.
- The baby has milk on her chin.
- My chin hurts.
- She rested her chin on her hand while thinking.
- He grew a goatee that covered his chin.
- You've got a bit of food on your chin.
- The boxer took a powerful blow to the chin but stayed on his feet.
- His determined chin suggested he wouldn't back down from the argument.
- Anthropologists study the development of the human chin.
- Despite the company's losses, the director kept her chin up and motivated the staff.
- The climber managed to chin herself up onto the narrow ledge.
- The fossil's prominent chin was a key diagnostic feature.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the word 'CHIN' written on your CHIN with a marker. The 'CH' sounds like the 'ch' in 'chew', which you do with your jaw.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CHIN IS A SYMBOL OF RESOLVE (e.g., 'show some chin' meaning show courage). DOWNWARD HEAD MOVEMENT IS DEFEAT/SADNESS (opposite of 'chin up').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'подбородок' (the correct translation) and 'челюсть' (jaw). 'Chin' is specifically the front, lower tip, not the entire jaw structure.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'chin' to refer to the cheek (e.g., 'He kissed her on the chin' vs. 'on the cheek').
- Misspelling as 'chinne' or 'chinn'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'He has a scar in his chin' should be 'on his chin'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chin' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but informally. It means to hit someone on the chin, primarily in boxing or slang (e.g., 'He got chinned in the fight').
The chin is the forward-pointing, lowermost part of the face. The jaw (or mandible) is the entire bone structure that holds the lower teeth and includes the chin.
It means to accept a difficult situation or criticism bravely and without complaint, like a boxer absorbing a punch.
No, 'chin' is spelled identically in all major varieties of English.
Collections
Part of a collection
Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.