student asking question

Is there any difference between "chump" and "stupid"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Great question. The term "chump" and the word "stupid" are not technically synonyms. "Chump" is a very informal word, it is usually used to mean that someone is very gullible. So you can use it for someone who falls for every trick and scheme, or someone who believes everything you tell them. This person isn't necessarily stupid. They're just overly trusting. On the other hand, a "stupid" person doesn’t have much intelligence or imagination, and they go through life making decisions that seem to lack all common sense. "Stupid" is a comment on a person's intellect. Ex: I have failed my exams 3 times in a row. I feel so stupid. Ex: I really believed him when he said it would be easy. I'm such a chump.

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