chub: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (ichthyology), Informal (British slang).
Quick answer
What does “chub” mean?
A thick-bodied freshwater fish of the carp family, typically with a rounded body and large scales.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick-bodied freshwater fish of the carp family, typically with a rounded body and large scales.
A word used in informal British English to describe a plump or well-rounded person, often in a mildly affectionate or teasing way. Also used in 'chubby' to describe someone who is slightly fat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'chub' has both the fish meaning and the informal slang for a plump person. In American English, it is almost exclusively used for the fish. The slang term 'chubby' is common in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: For the fish, neutral. For a person, informal, often jocular or mildly insulting. US: Neutral for the fish; the slang use for a person is very rare and likely understood as a Britishism.
Frequency
The fish term is low-frequency in general conversation. The slang term is of moderate frequency in informal UK contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chub” in a Sentence
The angler caught a [ADJ] chub.He's a bit of a chub. (UK slang)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chub” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No adverb use)
American English
- (No adverb use)
adjective
British English
- (See 'chubby'. The base form 'chub' is not used as an adjective.)
American English
- (See 'chubby'. The base form 'chub' is not used as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in ichthyology/biology texts.
Everyday
Low frequency; used by anglers (fishermen) or in informal UK banter.
Technical
Specific to zoology and freshwater ecology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chub”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chub”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chub”
- Using 'chub' to mean any generic fish.
- Using the UK slang in formal contexts.
- Confusing the rare vulgar idiom 'chub on' with the innocent fish term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Referring to the fish is not rude. Calling a person a 'chub' in British slang is informal and can be offensive, similar to 'fatty'. It depends entirely on context and relationship.
'Chub' is primarily a noun (a fish, or a person). 'Chubby' is an adjective meaning slightly fat in a rounded way, e.g., 'chubby cheeks'.
Yes, if the paper is about freshwater biology or ichthyology. Otherwise, it is unlikely to be appropriate.
Yes, assuming it's a common word for all fish or using the UK-specific slang meaning in contexts where it won't be understood (e.g., in the US).
A thick-bodied freshwater fish of the carp family, typically with a rounded body and large scales.
Chub is usually technical (ichthyology), informal (british slang). in register.
Chub: in British English it is pronounced /tʃʌb/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃʌb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have/get a chub on (vulgar US slang for an erection – AVOID in general contexts)”
- “None in standard use for the fish.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHUBby fish with a plump, rounded body swimming in the river.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLUMPNESS/ROUNDNESS IS CHUBBINESS (extended from the fish's shape to a person's body).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English can 'chub' informally refer to a person?