Would you refer to a younger or old man as chap?

[voswaa]

Having this debate with DH. For me I would use it for an older well to do gentleman but he would use in reference to a younger man.

Both!

I would never ever use chap at all. I don't think I've ever heard anyone in Scotland say it?

Not helpful in the context of this thread, sorry 😁 but it just made me realise I don't think it's a thing for Scottish people at all.

No but my frightfully posh friend would, and does. Hello old chap to any male he is friends with

Both here, too 😊

Either. Both. Or perhaps neither as it's not in my vocabulary. I don't think it denotes any particular age.

I've never used the word chap in my entire life. I'm 70 and live in East Sussex just in case anyone wonders if region or age are a factor.

I work in a prison and often use “chap” for all ages

Both! But only in a positive (or neutral) context. If saying something negative I'd use bloke (but bloke can be positive too - I'd say someone is a top bloke if they were also a lovely chap )

Well, id probably refer to a male in their 50/60 s as a bloke. A young man, in my eyes, as a young bloke. A very young man as A young man.

But if I knew the person in question, I'd refer to them by their name.

All ages, one of my favourite words.

Both. Bloke, chap, fella - they're neither young nor old.

Both. I'm 50.

Both.

I would say chap to both of them! Bloody love the word chap 😂 and clarify by saying old chap / young chap if talking to someone else.

Neither. Can't stand it.

It's a really innocuous term, I think. 'This/that/the chap' is totally fine with me, regardless of age. To be honest, it's a lot better than 'guy.' I also think 'fella' is okay though. Or just 'man.' why has this caused discord? Unless chap has a loaded meaning I'm unaware of! 🤔

Both.

All ages…. I might specify old chap or young chap, but it could be any age.

Both and in any case you could say young or old chap. I have heard of wee chap for a baby.

I call our cat “a handsome chap” all the time. I would never use the word otherwise, even if I was describing a handsome man (old or young). No idea why!

All ages. I also call women chaps. It’s an equal opportunities term of endearment for me, like guys.

I once read a book where the protagonist consistently referred to her her husband and son as 'my chaps' and it just felt so...implausible.

I don't know if anyone would really speak like that. It irritated me so much!

I love cove! It’s not used often enough.

Both.