chippie
noun · casual
A carpenter.
How Aussies use it
- The chippie is building our new back deck.
- He did his apprenticeship as a chippie.
How to pronounce ‘chippie’
Say it like this: CHIP-ee
‘chippie’ in a conversation
Builder: Who's fitting the doors on Monday?
Raj: The chippie. He'll be here at seven.
Good to know
A carpenter works with wood, building things like frames, decks, doors and stairs. You'll also see it spelled 'chippy'.
Where you'll hear ‘chippie’
You'll hear 'chippie' on building sites, in renovation shows and when people talk about home repairs. It's the everyday word for a carpenter, the tradie who builds with timber.
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone says 'The chippie is coming tomorrow', they mean the carpenter. You can ask 'What's the chippie doing today?' to sound natural on a building site.
More examples
- The chippie fixed the sticking door in ten minutes.
- Our son is in the first year of his chippie apprenticeship.
- The chippies finished the roof frame before lunch.
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
A common mistake
In Australia it usually means a carpenter. In British English 'chippy' can also mean a fish and chip shop.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use carpenter 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 hired a ___ to build new kitchen cupboards.
Show the answer
chippie
Quick check
What does ‘chippie’ mean?
- A carpenter.
- Genuine, honest, true. Also used as a question meaning 'really?'.
- An expression of surprise.
Show the answer
A. A carpenter.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'chippie' mean in Australia?
A carpenter. A carpenter works with wood, building things like frames, decks, doors and stairs. You'll also see it spelled 'chippy'.
Can I say 'chippie' at work?
Yes. 'chippie' is fine in most workplaces, in conversation and casual messages. In formal emails, reports and English tests, use more standard English.
How do you pronounce 'chippie'?
Say it like this: CHIP-ee. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'chippie'?
You'll hear 'chippie' on building sites, in renovation shows and when people talk about home repairs. It's the everyday word for a carpenter, the tradie who builds with timber.