chuck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “chuck” mean?
To throw something casually or with force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To throw something casually or with force.
Also means to discard, to stop doing something, or to give up. A verb of informal, forceful action with connotations of abruptness or finality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'chuck' has a more diverse range of informal meanings (vomit, discard, throw). In AmE, 'throw' is more dominant, though 'chuck' is understood, especially in 'chuck out' (discard).
Connotations
BrE: strongly informal, can be coarse (vomiting). AmE: moderately informal, often associated with casual throwing or discarding.
Frequency
More frequent and varied in British English. In American English, 'toss' is often a close synonym.
Grammar
How to Use “chuck” in a Sentence
chuck [object] (to/at someone)chuck [object] away/outchuck in [activity/job]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chuck” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He chucked the empty can in the bin.
- I think I'm going to chuck this project in.
- It's chucking it down outside.
- He chucked up after the rollercoaster ride.
American English
- Chuck me the remote, will you?
- We need to chuck out all this old furniture.
- He just chucked his career to become an artist.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Chuck steak is good for stewing.
American English
- Make sure the drill chuck is tight.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in informal speech ('He's chucked his job').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Very common in informal contexts for discarding or throwing.
Technical
Used in machining (chuck of a drill) and meat (chuck steak).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chuck”
- Using 'chuck' in formal writing.
- Confusing 'chuck it' (throw it) with 'chuck it in' (quit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal but not inherently rude. However, the BrE meaning 'to vomit' is coarse.
'Chuck' is more informal and often implies less care or more force than 'toss'. 'Throw' is the general, neutral term.
Yes, especially in phrases like 'chuck it in' or 'chuck your job', meaning to give up or resign abruptly.
It's a different word, from Old French 'choc', meaning a knock or blow, referring to the mechanism that grips the bit.
To throw something casually or with force.
Chuck is usually informal in register.
Chuck: in British English it is pronounced /tʃʌk/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃʌk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chuck it down (rain heavily)”
- “chuck a wobbly (BrE: lose temper)”
- “chuck in the towel (give up)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHUCKEN (chicken) being thrown (chucked) out of a coop.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCARDING IS THROWING AWAY (chuck out old clothes); QUITTING IS THROWING IN (chuck in your job).
Practice
Quiz
In British English, 'It's chucking it down' means: