What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buddy
Example
I'm going to hang out with my buddy after work. [buddy: noun]
Example
He's been my buddy since we were kids. [buddy: noun]
chum
Example
I'm meeting up with my chum for lunch today. [chum: noun]
Example
We've been chums since college. [chums: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buddy is more commonly used than chum in everyday language. It is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while chum is less common and may sound outdated to some people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between buddy and chum?
While buddy is typically associated with an informal and casual tone, chum can be slightly more formal or old-fashioned. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the speaker's preference.