Shoot the shit

[0470] Have a chinwag

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To have a chat or a friendly, informal conversation.

Origin

  • British and Commonwealth English slang, dating back to the late 19th century.
  • Chin refers to the part of the face involved in talking.
  • Wag refers to the movement, like a dog wagging its tail, suggesting lively or continuous movement (of the chin/mouth while talking).
  • Combines to mean a good chat.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Have a chat
  • Have a natter (UK/Aus/NZ)
  • Have a gossip (Can imply talking about others, but often just informal chat)
  • Catch up
  • Have a talk
  • Shoot the breeze (US, similar casualness)
  • Chew the fat (Similar casualness)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal (already informal):

  • Have a yarn (Aus/NZ)
  • Gab session
  • Rap session (Older US)
  • Shoot the shit (US, more vulgar)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Not typically expressed with vulgarity. The term itself is inherently cosy and informal.

Milder/Standard:

  • Have a conversation
  • Talk
  • Speak

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal.
  • Common in British, Australian, New Zealand, and sometimes Canadian English.
  • Used in relaxed, friendly social situations. Not suitable for formal or most professional contexts.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers, especially those more familiar with American English, might not recognize the term.
  • The literal combination of 'chin' and 'wag' doesn't immediately suggest 'chat'.
  • # MONEY & FINANCES

Examples

  • I bumped into Sarah at the shop and we had a good chinwag.
  • Let's grab a coffee and have a proper chinwag soon.
  • My gran loves having a chinwag with the neighbours over the fence.

Dialogue

Alice: Hi Brenda! Haven't seen you in ages!

Brenda: Alice! Lovely to see you! How are you keeping?

Alice: Not bad, busy as always. We really must get together properly soon.

Brenda: We absolutely should. Let's arrange a time for a cup of tea and a good chinwag.

Alice: Perfect! I'll text you later this week.

Social Media Examples

  • Facebook (UK user): Lovely afternoon having a proper chinwag with my mum. Just what I needed.
  • Twitter (Aus user): Always great bumping into old friends for an unexpected chinwag. #mates #catchup
  • Instagram caption (UK): Coffee and a good chinwag with @BestieName ☕️🗣️ #friends #chat

Response Patterns

If invited to have a chinwag:

  • Acceptance: Yes, I'd love that!, Sounds great!, Definitely, when are you free?
  • Declining: I'm a bit busy right now, but maybe later?, Thanks, but I can't.

If describing having had a chinwag:

  • Interest: Oh, lovely! How is she?, What did you talk about?
  • Simple acknowledgement: Nice., Good.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After an invitation:

  • Arrange a time and place: How about Tuesday coffee?, Shall I pop round yours?

After mentioning having had one:

  • Might share highlights of the conversation: Yeah, she told me all about her new job...

Conversation Starter

  • No. It describes or proposes the interaction. Fancy a chinwag? is an invitation.

Intonation

  • Friendly, light, and informal tone.
  • Stress often falls on CHIN and WAG.

Generation Differences

  • Perhaps more common among older generations (Boomers, Gen X) in the UK/Commonwealth, but still understood and used by younger people. It has a slightly cosy, perhaps old-fashioned feel to some.

Regional Variations

  • Primarily British, Australian, and New Zealand English. Less common in American English, where chat, catch up, or shoot the breeze would be used.
Shoot the shit
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