1 B2 idiomatic informal
To become friends with someone, especially quickly or in a new environment
"She chummed up with a group of other exchange students during orientation week."
chum up
B2 informal intransitive
To become friendly with someone; to start spending time with someone as a friend
In plain English
To make friends with someone and start being close with them
What does "chum up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Chum' is an informal word for a close friend; 'up' suggests the formation or building of that friendship
Actually means
To make friends with someone and start being close with them
Usage tip
British English. Often used with 'with': 'chum up with someone'. Slightly dated — more common in older British English — but still understood and used. Suggests actively becoming friends rather than a pre-existing friendship. More neutral than 'cosy up to' (which implies ulterior motives).
Words that pair with "chum up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
with quickly immediately strangers classmates neighbour
How to conjugate "chum up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chum up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chums up
he/she/it
Past simple
chumed up
yesterday
Past participle
chumed up
have + pp
-ing form
chuming up
continuous
Hear "chum up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "chum up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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