new chum
Low to medium (highly region-specific).Informal, historical, chiefly Australian/NZ.
Definition
Meaning
A newly arrived immigrant to Australia or New Zealand, especially in historical contexts.
A newcomer or novice, particularly in a new job, environment, or group; a person lacking experience. Can refer specifically to new prisoners (Australian prison slang).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically, 'chum' was British slang for a workmate or fellow. In the Australasian context, the term specifically described new immigrants, often from Britain, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It can now be used with an affectionate or gently teasing tone for any new arrival or beginner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not part of standard British or American lexicon. It is a lexical item specific to Australian and New Zealand English. A British speaker would likely not understand the specific Australasian historical connotation.
Connotations
N/A for British/American usage. In Australasia, it carries historical/nostalgic connotations.
Frequency
Virtually zero frequency in both British and American English. Its use is confined to Australasia, and even there it is somewhat dated.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He/She is a new chum.They treated the new chum kindly.The new chum arrived on the ship.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) green as a new chum”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used jokingly for a new employee in an Australasian company.
Academic
Used in historical/sociological texts about Australasian immigration.
Everyday
Used in Australia/NZ, often humorously or nostalgically, to refer to someone new to a place or activity.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He had a new-chum enthusiasm about him.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother is a new chum in Sydney.
- When I first moved to Melbourne, I felt like a real new chum.
- The old farmers would often tease the new chums about their lack of bush skills.
- His diary provides a fascinating account of the new chum's experience on a remote Victorian sheep station in the 1880s.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'new CHUM' as a new 'CHUMy' (friend/pal) who just arrived and needs to learn the ropes.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEWCOMER IS A RAW RECRUIT (needing seasoning/experience).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'новый друг' (new friend) — the meaning is 'новичок' or 'новоприбывший'.
- The word 'chum' here is not related to the Russian word for 'чума' (plague).
Common Mistakes
- Using it outside Australasian contexts.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with the modern, global slang 'chum' meaning friend.
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'new chum' historically significant?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not typically. It is usually affectionate or descriptive, though it can imply inexperience.
You can, but most people won't understand the specific historical meaning. They might guess it means a new friend.
An 'old hand' or a 'veteran'—someone with long experience in a place or job.
Yes, but it is considered somewhat dated or nostalgic. It's more likely to be used by older generations or in historical discussions.