chinwag
noun · casual
A friendly chat.
How Aussies use it
- We had a good chinwag over coffee.
- Come over for a chinwag this weekend.
How to pronounce ‘chinwag’
Say it like this: CHIN-wag
‘chinwag’ in a conversation
Mia: Haven't seen you for ages!
Tom: I know. Let's grab a cuppa and have a proper chinwag.
Good to know
A warm, friendly word for a relaxed conversation, often with a friend or neighbour.
Where you'll hear ‘chinwag’
You'll hear 'chinwag' when friends, neighbours or family plan a relaxed catch-up. Older Australians use it a lot, but younger people know it too. It often goes with a cuppa, a coffee or a visit: 'Pop over for a chinwag.'
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone invites you for a chinwag, just say yes and suggest a time, like 'Love to, how about Saturday arvo?' You can use it yourself when you want to sound warm and friendly.
More examples
- My grandma loves a long chinwag on the phone every Sunday.
- We stopped for a quick chinwag at the school gate.
- After the meeting, the team had a chinwag in the kitchen.
A common mistake
It means a relaxed chat, not an argument or a serious meeting.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use a chat / a conversation instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
We sat on the balcony and had a long ___ about our holidays.
Show the answer
chinwag
Quick check
What does ‘chinwag’ mean?
- A friendly chat.
- A fair chance, or fair treatment.
- Sick or unwell. Can also mean broken or not working well.
Show the answer
A. A friendly chat.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'chinwag' mean in Australia?
A friendly chat. A warm, friendly word for a relaxed conversation, often with a friend or neighbour.
Can I say 'chinwag' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'chinwag' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'chinwag'?
Say it like this: CHIN-wag. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'chinwag'?
You'll hear 'chinwag' when friends, neighbours or family plan a relaxed catch-up. Older Australians use it a lot, but younger people know it too. It often goes with a cuppa, a coffee or a visit: 'Pop over for a chinwag.'