chat

Everyday

1. To chat means to talk in a friendly, relaxed way. tree →
2. A chat is a friendly, informal talk. tree →
3. A chat is also writing messages to each other online, in an app or game, in real time. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life friends chat at break time; families chat over dinner. In online safety lessons «chat» means messages in games and apps: only chat with people you know in real life, never share personal information (address, school, photos), and tell an adult if anyone in a chat makes you feel uncomfortable or asks you to keep secrets. Phrases: have a chat, chat with, chat room, chat online, group chat.

Examples

• We chatted about our holidays at lunchtime. tree →
• Mum and I had a long chat before bed. tree →
• Grandma loves a chat on the phone. tree →
• Only chat online with people you know in real life. tree →
• If someone in the game chat is mean, block them and tell an adult. tree →
• Stop chatting and start your work, please. tree →
• Our class has a group chat for homework help. tree →
• The teacher wants a quick chat with your dad. tree →
• They sat down for a bit and chatted. tree →

Note

Double the «t»: chatted, chatting. «Chat with» or «chat to» someone. A chat is informal; a meeting or discussion is more serious. People online are not always who they say they are.