The Archive

Etymology Journal · S

Sure thang, chief

Meaning

A casual, slightly patronizing, but ultimately agreeable way of saying yes. Using the word 'chief' can sound friendly or like someone is talking down to you, depending on who says it.

Casual, ironic

Used in a sentence

  • Can you grab me a soda? Sure thang, chief.
  • Fix the printer for me? Sure thang, chief.
  • I will have the report to you by noon. Sure thang, chief.

The backstory

A combination of 20th-century diner lingo and generic workplace nicknames.

Heard in

Nationwide

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