chic
pronunciation
How to pronounce chic in British English:
UK [ʃiːk]
How to pronounce chic in American English:
US [ʃiːk]
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- Noun:
- elegance by virtue of being fashionable
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- Adjective:
- elegant and stylish
Word Origin
- chic
- 1856, as a noun, "style, artistic skill," from French chic, 19c. in "stylishness" sense, originally "subtlety" (16c.), which is of unknown origin, perhaps [Klein] related to German Schick "tact, skill," from Middle Low German schikken "arrange appropriately," or Middle High German schicken "to arrange, set in order;" or from French chicane, from chicanerie (see chicanery). The adjectival meaning "stylish" is from 1879 in English, "Not so used in F[rench]." [OED].
Example
- 1. It is little wonder that now the message is being reinforced via his chic spouse and fashion .
- 2. I think they are really chic .
- 3. Flat printing is an acceptable if less chic alternative to hand engraving , and matching envelopes with diamond flaps are non-negotiable .
- 4. The italian designer revolutionized the wardrobes of professional women in the 1980s , taking them out of floral skirts and putting them into chic , deconstructed pantsuits in elegant neutral colors .
- 5. Boutiques sell organic yogurt and chic secondhand furniture next to seedy stores stocked with cut-price liquor and junk food .