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

“Noem isn’t chicken,” Johnson added, along with a baby chick emoji.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

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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.

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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