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

Related Words

• gal
• girl
• woman
• young woman