chic

[sheek]

adjective

chicer, chicest 

1. attractive and fashionable; stylish.

   a chic hat.

   Synonyms: modish, elegant, smart

noun

1. style and elegance, especially in dress.

   Paris clothes have such chic.

2. stylishness; modishness.

   the chic of the firstnighters.

3. casual and understated style, as in dress or décor, that expresses a specified trendy lifestyle or activity.

   Black-rimmed glasses bring some geek chic to your outfit.

chic

/ ʃiːk, ʃɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of fashionable clothes, women, etc) stylish or elegant

noun

1. stylishness, esp in dress; modishness; fashionable good taste

2. any of various fashion movements based on a particular lifestyle

   radical chic

   geek chic

Pronunciation Note

The spelling pronunciation is considered nonstandard except when used facetiously.

Other Word Forms

• chicly adverb
• chicness noun
• superchic adjective
• ultrachic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chic¹

1855–60; < French < German Schick skill

Word History and Origins

Origin of chic¹

C19: from French, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The relaxed tone in his voice matches his comfy clothing, punctuated by cool accessories — a chic pair of third-eye sunglasses and sandals.

From Los Angeles Times

They didn't have to fight for attention so much as just decree from on high what was and wasn't "chic".

From BBC

Grain bowls, martini-and-oyster chic, matcha after Pilates: every bite signals style, wellness, and taste.

From Salon

From established chains to mom-and-pop stores and chic restaurants that challenge tired stereotypes, they have all been taking off here before leapfrogging further afield, to elsewhere in South East Asia and then across the world.

From BBC

The party was in a chic work-live space: four stories of industrial design thumping with music and packed with hipsters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elegant 
• exclusive 
• mod 
• modern 
• stylish 
• swank 
• trendy