chick

[chik]

noun

1. a young chicken or other bird.

2. a child.

3. Slang: Often Offensive.,  a term used to refer to a girl or young woman.

chick

/ tʃɪk /

noun

1. the young of a bird, esp of a domestic fowl

2. slang,  a girl or young woman, esp an attractive one

3. a young child: used as a term of endearment

Sensitive Note

As a term used to refer to a young woman, chick is slightly dated. Originally it was perceived as insulting because of the perception that it infantilized women. Now the word has been embraced by some women as a positive term of self-reference and an expression of camaraderie. When used as a modifier, as in chick flick and chick lit, its meaning is not restricted to young women and its use is not offensive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chick¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English chike, variant of chiken; chicken

Word History and Origins

Origin of chick¹

C14: short for _chicken

Example Sentences

All of the chicks broke out of their shells, with Gizmo emerging last on March 8.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Gregory captured a group of fledgling emperor penguin chicks teetering on the edge of an ice shelf.

From BBC

The ambition is that any chicks may eventually become part of a release programme, but, for now, it is more a case of adding to the population here.

From BBC

Thousands of cawing gulls perched on a rocky island, and newly hatched chicks bobbed in the water.

From Los Angeles Times

“Clueless,” once seen as a chick flick favorite, is now properly revered as a comedy staple, appreciated for its sizable contributions to the cultural lexicon.

From Salon

Related Words

• gal 
• girl 
• woman 
• young woman www.thesaurus.com