chur: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Very informal, slang, regional (chiefly NZ, also Aus).
Quick answer
What does “chur” mean?
An exclamation of agreement, thanks, or acknowledgment, most associated with New Zealand and Australian English, particularly in informal contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An exclamation of agreement, thanks, or acknowledgment, most associated with New Zealand and Australian English, particularly in informal contexts.
Can also express a general positive sentiment, akin to "great," "cool," or "thanks mate." In a distinct, non-standard use, it can function informally as a verb meaning "to say 'chur' to someone" or "to acknowledge."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This word is virtually unknown and unused in British or American English as a native term. Any usage would be a direct borrowing from New Zealand/Australian media or by expats.
Connotations
In the UK/US, it would be recognized only by those familiar with Antipodean culture, marking the speaker as a New Zealander or a knowledgeable outsider.
Frequency
Extremely rare to non-existent in standard UK/US corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “chur” in a Sentence
INTJ (standalone)VERB: chur (to someone)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chur” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He just churred at me from across the room and carried on.
American English
- I'll chur him later for the help.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Exclusively in very informal social interactions among friends in NZ/Aus contexts.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chur”
- Using it in formal writing, overusing it outside NZ/Aus contexts, or using it as a standard synonym for 'thank you' in all situations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang, primarily from New Zealand and Australia.
Only if you are with people who understand New Zealand slang, otherwise it will likely cause confusion.
Primarily an interjection (exclamation). It can be used informally as a verb.
They are similar, but 'chur' is more culturally specific to NZ and often implies a more casual, 'mateship' bond than the slightly more universal 'cheers'.
An exclamation of agreement, thanks, or acknowledgment, most associated with New Zealand and Australian English, particularly in informal contexts.
Chur is usually very informal, slang, regional (chiefly nz, also aus). in register.
Chur: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɜː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɝː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chur, bro, it's sorted.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the friendly sound a KIWI might make – "CH-eer-U, mate!" – shortened to CHUR.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL SOLIDARITY IS A SHORT VERBAL GESTURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chur' MOST appropriate?