1 B1 idiomatic informal
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."
separable
chat up
B1 informal separable transitive
To talk to someone in a friendly, flattering way, usually because you are romantically or sexually attracted to them.
In plain English
To talk to someone in a way that shows you like them romantically, trying to impress them.
What does "chat up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To chat someone up — to build them up through conversation to win their interest.
Actually means
To talk to someone in a way that shows you like them romantically, trying to impress them.
Usage tip
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'.
Words that pair with "chat up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stranger someone girl guy client bar party
How to conjugate "chat up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chat up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chats up
he/she/it
Past simple
chated up
yesterday
Past participle
chated up
have + pp
-ing form
chating up
continuous
Hear "chat up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "chat up"
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