chump

chump · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Informal) A foolish or easily deceived person.

  2. 2.

    A thick or lumpish piece of something, especially wood.

  3. 3.

    (British) The thick end of something, especially a loin of lamb.

Forms

plural: chumps

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chump change — A small, insignificant amount of money.
  • •
    off one's chump — (British, dated) Crazy or mad.

Related words

Antonyms: genius, wise person
See also: fool, idiot, sucker
Synonyms: dupe, fool, idiot, sucker

Etymology

Possibly a blend of chunk and lump, or from chump meaning "a short thick lump of wood" (18th century). The sense of "fool" developed in the late 19th century, perhaps influenced by blockhead.