chum
B2Informal, slightly dated
Definition
Meaning
A close friend or companion, often used informally.
The word can refer to bait used in fishing (chopped fish parts), and also serve as a verb meaning to be friendly with someone or to scatter fish bait.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originally British university slang (17th century) for a roommate, derived from 'chamber fellow'. While still understood, it carries a somewhat old-fashioned or quaint connotation among younger speakers. The fishing sense is entirely separate from the friendship sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common historically in British English for 'friend'. The fishing sense ('chumming') is equally used in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: Often nostalgic, evokes school days or a bygone era (e.g., 'old school chum'). Can sound upper-class or old-fashioned. US: Less common for friendship; when used, may sound deliberately British or literary. The fishing sense is standard.
Frequency
In friendship sense: Low in contemporary American English, low-to-medium in British English (mostly among older generations or in fixed phrases). As fishing term: Medium in relevant contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
chum with [person]chum up (with)chum around (with)chum [waters] (fishing)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chum up”
- “bosom chum (archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Would be considered unprofessional or oddly informal.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic analysis of slang.
Everyday
Informal, used primarily in nostalgic or humorous contexts among friends.
Technical
Standard term in recreational fishing for the activity of scattering bait ('chumming') to attract fish.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They chummed around together at university.
- We decided to chum up for the project.
American English
- We spent the afternoon chumming for sharks off the coast.
- He quickly chummed up with the other new hires.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- He's my chum pal from way back. (Note: rare as adjective, 'chum' usually a noun adjunct)
American English
- (Not standard as a standalone adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is my best chum.
- We played football with my school chums.
- I haven't seen my old chum Mark in years.
- They chummed around together all summer.
- Despite their different backgrounds, they chummed up immediately during the trip.
- The anglers began to chum the water to attract larger fish.
- His memoir was filled with anecdotes about his Oxford chums, painting a vivid picture of university life in the 60s.
- The controversial practice of chumming is heavily regulated in these waters to prevent ecological disruption.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of sharing a 'room' (from 'chamber fellow') with your CHUM. Or, you CHUM the water with bait to attract fish, just as you attract friends.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRIENDSHIP IS SHARING SPACE (from original roommate meaning). FRIENDSHIP IS PROXIMITY/COMPANIONSHIP.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'чам' (a type of Buddhist temple) - homograph only.
- Avoid translating as 'товарищ' in formal contexts - 'chum' is much more informal and personal.
- The fishing term has no direct single-word Russian equivalent; it describes the activity, not the bait itself.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'chum' in formal writing.
- Overusing it to sound British.
- Confusing the noun (friend) and verb (to scatter bait) meanings in context.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chum' LEAST likely to be used naturally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite uncommon in contemporary American English for 'friend'. Americans are more likely to use 'buddy', 'pal', or 'friend'. Its use might sound deliberately British or old-fashioned.
There is no etymological connection. They are homonyms. 'Friend' comes from 17th-century university slang for a roommate. 'Fishing bait' likely comes from a variant of 'cham' or is of unknown origin, first recorded in the 19th century.
Yes, in two ways. 1) Informally: 'to chum up/around' meaning to be or become friends with someone. 2) In fishing: 'to chum' or 'to chum the water' means to scatter bait into the water to attract fish.
It is not inherently rude, but it can be perceived as condescending or sarcastic if used with someone you are not actually friends with, similar to 'pal' or 'mate' in certain tones (e.g., 'Listen here, chum...'). Among genuine friends, it is affectionate, if dated.