chap
UK: tʃæp | US: tʃæp
n. 1. (British informal) a man or boy; a fellow
n. 2. (archaic) a buyer or customer
vt. 3. to crack or roughen (skin or lips) due to cold or dryness
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The word "chap" originated in late Middle English as a shortened form of "chapman," an old term for a merchant or trader (from Old English "cēapmann," combining "cēap"<trade> + "mann"<man>). Over time, it evolved to colloquially mean "man" or "fellow" in British English. The verb sense (cracking of skin) likely derives from the noun "chap" meaning "jaw" or "chopped part," metaphorically describing split skin.
He’s a friendly chap who always helps his neighbors.
The market was full of chaps bargaining over prices.
Her lips began to chap in the winter wind.
That old chap at the pub told fascinating stories.
The farmer’s hands were chapped from years of hard work.