chon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal (currency); Informal/Slang (money/pet)
Quick answer
What does “chon” mean?
A unit of currency in North Korea, equal to one hundredth of a North Korean won.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of currency in North Korea, equal to one hundredth of a North Korean won.
Informal slang term for a large amount of money, particularly in British English; also used in internet slang to refer to a chubby or overweight pet (especially cats).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang for 'a lot of money' is primarily British. The 'chubby pet' meaning is more common in global internet culture. The currency term is technical and identical.
Connotations
In British slang, it can imply a surprisingly large sum. The pet term is affectionate and humorous.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects. The currency term is almost never used in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “chon” in a Sentence
[Subject] is worth [Number] chon.They priced it at [Number] chon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That's a proper chon unit.
- He's got chon money from that deal.
American English
- Look at that chon cat!
- It's a chon-sized amount.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only in specialized finance dealing with North Korean currency.
Academic
In economic or political studies focusing on North Korea.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Slang use is very niche.
Technical
In foreign exchange or numismatics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chon”
- Using it as a general term for money. Spelling it as 'chan' or 'chun'. Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare. Most English speakers will never encounter or use it.
No, this is very niche British slang and would not be understood by most people. Use 'cash', 'money', or 'dough' instead.
It is a subdivision. 100 chon = 1 North Korean won, similar to 100 cents = 1 US dollar.
It's internet slang, likely derived from 'chunky', used affectionately to describe pets that are pleasingly plump or round.
A unit of currency in North Korea, equal to one hundredth of a North Korean won.
Chon is usually formal (currency); informal/slang (money/pet) in register.
Chon: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth a chon (theoretical, based on the currency's low value).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHange ONe' won - it's the small change (chon) of a North Korean won.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A MEASURABLE UNIT (for currency); AFFECTION IS ROUNDNESS (for pet slang).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chon' a formal, standard term?