Am I too young to say "Alright chaps" when approaching a group of men?

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TalynRahl@reddit

It’s not an age thing, it’s a vibe thing. If you don’t give off “alright chaps” vibes, then people will think it’s odd.

Same reason I had to stop answering the phone “Ahoy!”

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slappymcmanmeat@reddit

Nope

I say “alright fellas”

Do what you do without getting beaten up

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Particular-Bet8730@reddit

The only people I’ve ever known to consistently do this have been comically posh

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b3ta_blocker@reddit

I don't mind 'chaps' so much but there is something about 'hello chap' being said by a posh person that I csnt stand.

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Andros25@reddit

Chap as a singular noun(? I'm not great with grammar) should be literally against the law. That's outrageous.

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Andros25@reddit

Grotesque. I just realised I've heard like 'decent chap' or similar but something about that strikes me as so wrong. I'm on your side chap
Sorry

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Kudosnotkang@reddit

In that case you’re probably to young to be saying ‘my Mrs’

It’s like faux old timey gentleman language, I thought the point was we don’t really see it any more .

I don’t really plan or think about my addresses to people not really care what people think - I don’t think you should either (unless you have a habit of using racial slurs to greet or something) .

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MurdockMow@reddit

Tbf I never really hear “girlfriend”, it’s usually just “missus” which I guess sounds less soppy for young adults

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TachiH@reddit

I feel after 18 girlfriend feels awkward 🤣 I know it isn't.

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BlackShadowGlass@reddit

Make sure you get them to kiss your signet ring whilst you're at it 😂

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GentlemanJoe@reddit

I started saying chaps few years ago. I've noticed some of my friends say it occasionally now, just like your colleagues.

I started because I used to watch lots of gaming videos and I kept seeing horribly enthusiastic Americans saying 'Hey guys!' and speaking at 400mph. I decided to give the YT thing ago and wanted a British version. YT was a flop, but I ended up on a comedy podcast (432 episodes in) and continued saying it. Now some listeners start their emails with it, too.

With our efforts, nature is healing.

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GrumpyOldFart74@reddit

I couldn’t comment on “too young”

But I would often say that (or “alright lads” or “afternoon lads/chaps”) when approaching a group of my peers - I’m 52 and that would work for anybody in their mid 40s to mid 60s

I am very very definitely not posh!

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FornyHucker22@reddit

We all got our sayings, but may I suggest “ wagwan bredrin “ 🤗

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Flatcapspaintandglue@reddit

Mix it up with a “cheers, old bean” or two.

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philff1973@reddit

I would throw in a Wotcher every so often to keep people on their toes.

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Icy_Distribution3467@reddit

A doff of the cap here and there.

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Illustrious-Divide95@reddit

Wotcher cock!

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Nuggety-Nipples@reddit

Nowadays in England, for a casual salutation, one might say, “Wag1 my gs,” or “What’s gud fam,” or even a jaunty “yes, yes the mandem lookin’ cris’ wha ya sayin?!”

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TonyBlairsDildo@reddit

On God no says fam. Type shit.

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TankFoster@reddit

Have you ever seen the remake of The Firm, starring one of the guys from Peaky Blinders? There's a bit in it where the young guy from the Football Factory is trying to persuade his mum and dad to buy him an Ellesse trackie and he says "But that's what all the chaps are wearing!"

So at least in the 80s, "chaps" could be used to mean "my mates" or "people I think are cool".

So I think you're all good.

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Curious_Wall_4706@reddit

I'm looking forward to getting to the age I can call people "old chap". Not sure what age I can pull it off

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TachiH@reddit

My Mrs laughs at me for saying "have a good one" to delivery drivers. Do what makes you happy! Personally chaps is a bit old timey but I absolutely say "alright fellas" all the time.

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Asleep-Lead2510@reddit

I see literally no issue with this... Me and the boys say this kind of stuff all the time. I'm 31(M).

Although, this being said, I have also been told that I'm quite posh, so perhaps don't wholly trust my judgement.

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nohairday@reddit

You're never too young for chaps.

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FIREBIRDC9@reddit

I'd rather you said that than Sup Fam

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Niche_Enjoyer@reddit

I use the word "Fellas" instead of chaps, it's a bit more grounding.

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Morganx27@reddit

I think it's fine, I say chaps all the time. People have been known to accuse me of sounding like a victorian ghost at times but what's the fun in knowing a language if you don't use half of it?

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Ambiverthero@reddit

The younger you are the funnier it is

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Least_Direction5462@reddit

Do what feels right. "Dudes", "fellas", "boys" etc all work.

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sossighead@reddit

I’m mid-30s and I feel “Gents” is my weelhouse currently.

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Not_A_Toaster_0000@reddit

If you want them to think they're about to be arrested, yes.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

I would assume this is done somewhat ironically, sounds fine to me though.

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mrtopbun@reddit

Makes you sound like a police officer tbh

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Budget-Bar-1123@reddit

Ooi ooi saveloy is another one for you…

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AlexisJordanGFlame@reddit

I'm 35 and I've been doing it for years, interchangably with 'fellas.' No one's been offended yet.

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MercuryJellyfish@reddit

You're knocking on 30, time to start doing some of those things you might previously have thought you haven't grown into yet. Seize permission, don't ask for it.

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OnlymyOP@reddit

Who calls anyone a Chap anymore ?

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Chopsticks_Charlie@reddit

I prefer chapettes

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Master-Necessary7560@reddit

Would rather be called 'chap' than passive aggressively being called:

Buddy

Matey

Chief

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CharieRarie@reddit

I say it a lot, maybe got it from my Dad though! He used to call me and my siblings “chaps and chappesses”

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Mundane_Tap7037@reddit

I use it a lot, I'm 31 and I work in security, it's a safe bet for men of all ages. It's not too condescending when talking to a group of young students and it's not too informal when talking to an older man.

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Curious_Orange8592@reddit

It was commonly used by late Gen X, early Millennial blokes in their late teens/early 20s (so about 25 years ago) but seems to have faded since then

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iceman2g@reddit

I do. Quite frequently, now that I've stopped to think about it.

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Cultural-Elk-8346@reddit

People do

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ARobertNotABob@reddit

If you have to ask, probably, yes.

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yearsofpractice@reddit

It’ll all about confidence. “Alright fellas“- in my experience - is easier to deliver. But… I’m a 50 year old straight white man so I sort of got gifted unearned confidence.

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IgnorantLobster@reddit

What a weird post lol - do what you want

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Amore91@reddit

Is this where you are approaching a bunch of self styled, idiot ‘roadmen’ who deliberately block a whole pavement and you need to break the tension when you have your girl with you?

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1whoisconcerned@reddit

Depends on what you approaching them about and who they are. If they are college professors it mind not go down well. If workmen working on your property is fine.

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mxtchstick@reddit

No mate, language is literally made up. Address people as anything you see fit. If someone gets the hump because you called them "chap"/"chaps", probably best to stay away from them tbh.

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RPlaysStuff@reddit

Just say wagwarn, bombaclaats.

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Kudosnotkang@reddit

You could always sing this on approach

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RequirementEasy4273@reddit

I'm 27 and use "chaps" all the time, no one's ever batted an eyelid.

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LJA0611@reddit

It will sound natural said by some people, for others it will sound completely forced - the exact criteria are unclear but the very fact you are asking suggests you might fall into the second category

Similar to someone suddenly throwing in “mate” & “bloke” when they’re dealing with tradesman.

If you have to think about it then it probably doesn’t sound natural

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Fendrinus@reddit

it's better than 'what-ho chums'

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RoboTon78@reddit

"Awrite lads/guys"

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Dennyisthepisslord@reddit

I AM old enough but don't look old enough.

Now that's a dilemma.

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DoomPigs@reddit

You're asking on UK Reddit which is painfully middle class, as is approaching a group of men and saying "alright chaps"

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WhatsThePlanPhil95@reddit

Just say whatever you want, people don't care

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notthedoodaa@reddit

Alright dudes, what's going down in groove town?

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Minky_Dave_the_Giant@reddit

You crazy cat.

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CaptainParkingspace@reddit

This chap is hip to the jive.

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L-0-T-H-0-S@reddit

If your intention is to be comical, it's perfectly fine. If you're using it as a genuine salutation, expect people to assume you're being comical and either embrace that or find another salutation.

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ItchyFormal9@reddit

Utter nonsense

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PrideThin8179@reddit

If they're actually wearing chaps what do you say then?

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oscarx-ray@reddit

Howdy partners!

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Illustrious-Rice3434@reddit

It's not an age thing. You just sound like a posh englishman 😂

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BelledeJour71@reddit

Please don't ever stop saying it! In fact, add a 'tally ho' in there sometimes for fun and prosperity.

Keep the 1940's spirit alive, chaps!

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DeeplyFrippy@reddit

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WIZZZARDOFFREESTYLE@reddit

It should be alright shaggers

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H_H12345@reddit

Could try "Alright cocker" 😂

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Dedward5@reddit

Next time say “alllright wankaz” and see which she prefers.

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Bbew_Mot@reddit

You should say 'how do you do fellow chaps'!

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eluuu@reddit

I say that all the time lol

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PeacekeeperAl@reddit

Depends where you live I suppose. I'd not like it

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Glittering_Win_5085@reddit

It sounds like you learnt to be British from the internet

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kwakimaki@reddit

Hello old fruity!

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sausagemouse@reddit

You refer to your wife/gf as "the Mrs" so definitely not too young

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_Yorkshire_Pirlo@reddit

Hanh, you're alright to do that chap

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sleepyprojectionist@reddit

I refer to people as “chaps” all the time, but people often tell me that I speak like a posho, an Edwardian era man, or some combination of the two.

I think, perhaps, I am just a fan of archaic slang, regardless of the time from which it originated.

I’ll regularly declare that some things are “not my bag”, whilst other things are “wizard”.

If I’m sad I’ll channel my inner Victorian by announcing that “I’ve got the morbs” (it is indeed Morbin’ time).

Language is fun. Don’t let other people stop you!

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Overseerer-Vault-101@reddit

You got to give it the exaggerated single clap and head bob.

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Whocares1846@reddit

It's more interesting than what's up, I would be pleasantly surprised by it

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AdonisCarbonado@reddit

Alright there whipper snappers, how thee go?

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leakee2@reddit

Just say Wagwan Mandem

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Normal-Internal164@reddit

‘Pal’ is my weakness

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AllThatIHaveDone@reddit

Is it the meaty chunks?

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Normal-Internal164@reddit

Sorry chum?

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Idonthinksom8@reddit

reet pal

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parkerontour@reddit

I like it.. I’ve used it occasionally.. I’m also 29.

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Mawijoga@reddit

Who gives a fuck not this chap

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Springyardzon@reddit

Here's the flowchart to tell if it's OK: 1. Are you in the Air Force? If no, move to 2. If yes, it's OK. 2. Are you in a cricket club? If no, move to 3. If yes, it's OK. 3. Are you a professor? If no, move to 4. If yes, it's OK. 4. Are you speaking to people under 12 or over 25?

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Krismusic1@reddit

Chaps is fine. Prefer it to "Bro's"!

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DrRuckus74@reddit

I say it semi ironically sometimes and I’m 22

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DookuDonuts@reddit

Don't let the insecurities and snobbery of others put you off from being your true self. Genuinely nothing wrong with your approach and choice of words. Ask me again 10 or 20 years and I'll say the exact same thing.

Now have a good day pal

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