British phrasal verb meaning to flirt with or strike up conversation with romantic intent.
Chat up
Etymology & History
British phrasal verb meaning to flirt with or strike up conversation with romantic intent. From 'chat' + 'up' (approach). Emerged in the 1960s. 'Chatting someone up' in a pub is quintessential British courtship. Americans use 'hit on'. The term reflects British less direct approach to flirting.
Word Details
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Region
General British
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Era
1960s
✓
Language
Mild
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Formality
Informal
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
📚 Over 2,000+ British Slang Definitions!