chaff
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /tʃæf/
KK: /tʃæf/
intransitive verb
Definition
To engage in light-hearted teasing or joking with someone.
Example
They often chaff each other about their favorite sports teams.
Tense Forms
Past: chaffed
Past Participle: chaffed
Conversation
Do you remember how we used to chaff each other in high school?
Of course! Those were some fun times and I miss it.
Yeah, we always had the best comebacks, didn't we?
Definitely! We should start chaffing again.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
banter
joke
tease
Antonyms
compliment
praise
seriousness
noun
Definition
The dry outer parts of grains, especially wheat, that are removed during the process of harvesting. It can also refer to thin dry plant parts or straw used for animal feed, and sometimes to light-hearted teasing among friends.
Example
After the harvest, the farmer separated the grain from the chaff.
Conversation
I was reading about how farmers separate grain from chaff during harvest.
That's interesting! I didn't know they had to do that.
Yeah, it's a pretty important step to get the good stuff.
transitive verb
Definition
To tease or make fun of someone in a friendly manner.
Example
They often chaff each other about their favorite sports teams.
Tense Forms
Past: chaffed
Past Participle: chaffed
Conversation
Hey, I hope you don't mind if I chaff you a bit about your new haircut.
Not at all! I actually expect you to tease me about it.
Well, you know I can't resist a good joke, especially when it comes to style.
Root Explanation
The word 'chaff' originates from Old English 'cæaf', meaning the husks of grains separated during threshing. It refers specifically to the inedible parts of grain that are removed during the process of preparing food.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'cæaf' that refers to the husks of grains — this helps you remember that 'chaff' is the part of grain that is discarded.
Visually Confused Words
haff
scaff
chuff
caffa