chav

Meaning

Noun

• A working-class youth, especially one associated with aggression, poor education, and a perceived "common" taste in clothing and lifestyle.

Origin

• Origin uncertain; probably of Angloromani origin. Compare Romani chavi ("male child") or chavo, shavo, chal, chavvy, compare Swedish tjej; possible cognate with Portuguese chavalo, Spanish chaval, German Chabo. See also charva.