Make a stand against chaps (From Bucks Free Press)

Make a stand against chaps

3:20pm Friday 11th January 2008

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IS IT me, or has a frightening new term of greeting crept into our language?

I don't object to be called mate'. I'm not so happy with chum' and I much prefer sir'.

But nothing in life has prepared me for chap'.

I thought I had misheard a few weeks ago when a takeaway delivery man in High Wycombe said: "Thanks chap."

I ruminated and worked out it must have been some strange slang expression unique to him.

However, a week ago I enjoyed a family dinner at a fairly upmarket pub near Watford. The waiter, a young lad who was probably a student, addressed me as chap' when I asked for the bill.

I was stunned and again thought I had misheard. But no, he repeated it when I paid and I have several witnesses.

Anyone want to join me in signing a petition against this mis-usage, or mischap? How about it, chaps?

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