Where “Chinwag” Comes From
“Chinwag” means a chat, built from “chin” and “wag”. Green’s Dictionary of Slang gives two senses: impertinence (UK and Scotland) and a chat or conversation (UK, US and Australia).
Its earliest dated uses in Green’s are British, from 1851 and 1860, in the “impertinence” sense. Today it sounds friendly and relaxed, and often pairs with a cuppa.
Source:
“We had a good chinwag over a cuppa.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
Use it for an easy catch-up, not a serious discussion.
In Real Life
A chinwag is what you have when you’re not in a hurry: over the back fence, on the phone, or across a table with a cuppa. It suggests an easy, friendly chat, not a serious meeting or an argument. People often ask a friend over “for a chinwag” when they want to catch up. It’s a slightly old-fashioned word, which only adds to the warm feel.
Quick Questions
Is a chinwag the same as a chat?
Yes, but a chinwag sounds longer, friendlier and more relaxed.
Is chinwag only Australian?
No. It’s also used in Britain, but Australians use it too.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: CHIN-wag.
In conversation:
- Pop in for a chinwag.
- We had a long chinwag on the phone.
- Come over for a cuppa and a chinwag.
Good to know: It’s warm and a bit old-fashioned, and it’s also used in Britain. It usually goes with a cup of tea.
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