chook chaser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Dialectal / ColloquialInformal, colloquial, chiefly Australian and New Zealand English. Often humorous or mildly derogatory.
Quick answer
What does “chook chaser” mean?
A dog bred or used for pursuing or rounding up domestic fowl (chickens).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dog bred or used for pursuing or rounding up domestic fowl (chickens).
A person who is constantly busy with trivial tasks or who chases after minor opportunities, often ineffectually. In some contexts, a novice or amateur in a field, 'chasing' experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not standard in either dialect. If encountered, it would be as a borrowing from Australian/NZ English. More likely to be understood in the UK due to shared Commonwealth colloquialisms ('chook'). In the US, 'chicken dog' or 'herding dog' would be used for the literal meaning.
Connotations
In Aus/NZ: Rustic, humorous, potentially unflattering when used figuratively. In UK/US: Likely perceived as a quaint or obscure regionalism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency globally. Its use outside Australia and New Zealand would be for deliberate stylistic effect (e.g., in literature to establish character setting).
Grammar
How to Use “chook chaser” in a Sentence
The [adj] chook chaserHe's a bit of a chook chaser.Don't be such a chook chaser.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chook chaser” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- That border collie is a brilliant chook chaser, keeps them all in the pen.
- He's turned into a proper chook chaser since retiring, always tinkering in the shed.
American English
- (As a borrowed term) In the Australian film, the kid's best friend was a scruffy chook chaser.
- Stop sending me on these errands, I'm not your chook chaser.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. A potential metaphorical insult for a colleague focused on low-value tasks.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rural settings in Aus/NZ: literal. Urban/figurative: mildly insulting term for someone perceived as busy with nothing.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chook chaser”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chook chaser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chook chaser”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it is a standard term for any herding dog.
- Pronouncing 'chook' with a /tʃuːk/ (like 'chute') sound instead of /tʃʊk/ (like 'book').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a descriptive term for a dog's function, not a breed. Many types of herding or terrier breeds can act as chook chasers.
In its literal, rural sense, it can be neutral or positive (a good working dog). Figuratively, it is almost always derogatory, implying wasted effort.
'Chook' is believed to be a dialectal variant of 'chicken' or 'chick', originating from the UK and brought to Australia and New Zealand.
Use it only in very informal settings, preferably with listeners familiar with Australian/NZ slang, or when deliberately invoking a rustic or humorous tone.
A dog bred or used for pursuing or rounding up domestic fowl (chickens).
Chook chaser is usually informal, colloquial, chiefly australian and new zealand english. often humorous or mildly derogatory. in register.
Chook chaser: in British English it is pronounced /tʃʊk ˈtʃeɪsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃʊk ˈtʃeɪsər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be/run around] like a headless chook chaser (intensifies the sense of futile activity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog (CHASER) frantically running after chickens (CHOOKS) in circles, achieving nothing but noise and feathers.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNFOCUSSED ACTIVITY IS CHASING CHICKENS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chook chaser' MOST likely to be used literally?