Charlie

[ chahr-lee ]

noun

1. a word used in communications to represent the letter C.
2. Also Char·ley. Military Slang. Victor Charlie.
3. a male given name, form of Charles.
4. a female given name.

Charlie

¹

/ ˈtʃɑːlɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   military a member of the Vietcong or the Vietcong collectively

   Charlie hit us with rockets

charlie

²

/ ˈtʃɑːlɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   a silly person; fool
2. old-fashioned.
   a girl or woman

Charlie

³

/ ˈtʃɑːlɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   cocaine

Charlie

⁴

/ ˈtʃɑːlɪ /

noun

1. communications a code word for the letter c

Word History and Origins

Origin of Charlie¹

shortened from Victor Charlie, communications code for VC, abbreviation of Vietcong

Origin of Charlie²

C20: for sense 1: shortened from Charlie Hunt, rhyming slang for cunt ; sense 2 is shortened from Charlie Wheeler, rhyming slang for sheila

Example Sentences

The editors, writers, and cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo were human beings with families, friends, and loved ones.

From The Daily Beast

Charlie ridiculed my faith and culture and I died defending his right to do so.

From The Daily Beast

As soon as this attack [happened], Paris citizens came together to show were are not afraid, we are Charlie Hebdo.

From The Daily Beast

Everyone out there who says, “Charlie Hebdo provoked,” is making the same fundamental error.

From The Daily Beast

In other words, the free speech exhibited by the folks at Charlie Hebdo was not virtuous—until there was a body count.

From The Daily Beast

"There's a guy outside wants to see you, Chief," Charlie Ward's assistant announced through the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Charlie Ward moved a little closer and glanced behind him as he spoke.

From Project Gutenberg

Two hours later, Mr. Peck entered Charlie Ward's office again and eased himself into a chair.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, I don't believe old Uncle Charlie ever meant me to come in for all his wad.

From Project Gutenberg

I'd believe it quicker aboot yon ither chiel, Charlie Rogerson.

From Project Gutenberg