chaff
|chaff|
B2
🇺🇸
/tʃæf/
🇬🇧
/tʃɑːf/
worthless husks or light banter
Etymology
Etymology Information
'chaff' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ceaf', where 'ceaf' meant 'husk or chaff'.
Historical Evolution
'ceaf' transformed into the Middle English word 'chaf', and eventually became the modern English word 'chaff'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'husk or chaff', but over time it evolved to also mean 'lighthearted joking'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the husks of grains and grasses that are separated during threshing.
The farmer separated the wheat from the chaff.
Synonyms
Noun 2
lighthearted joking or banter.
Their conversation was filled with friendly chaff.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/19 22:36