chat up
To talk to someone in a way that shows you like them romantically, trying to impress them.
Meanings
To talk to someone in a charming or flattering way because you are romantically attracted to them.
"He tried to chat her up at the bar, but she wasn't interested."
To engage someone in friendly conversation in order to gain their favour or cooperation, not necessarily romantically.
"She chatted up the security guard and eventually got him to let her in."
Primarily British English. Very common and well-understood. The American equivalent is 'hit on'. Can sometimes be used non-romantically to mean charming someone (e.g., a client) with friendly conversation. The object usually comes between 'chat' and 'up' or after 'up'.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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