Chivying is a British English verb that means to harass or urge someone, often persistently. The word is pronounced /ˈtʃɪ.vi.ɪŋ/ with the stress on the first syllable, and it is spelt with the letters "ch" representing the voiceless postalveolar affricate /tʃ/. The letter "y" stands for the vowel sound /ɪ/ and the final letter "g" represents the voiced velar plosive /ɡ/. The word is commonly used in informal contexts and is related to the word "chivvy," which has a similar meaning.
Chivying is a verb that refers to the act of persistently and insistently urging someone to do something or to move faster. It is often used when someone is trying to motivate or encourage another person to take action or complete a task. Chivying can also involve repeatedly reminding someone about their responsibilities or duties in order to ensure their compliance.
This term can be applied in various contexts, such as in parenting, where a parent may chivy their child to complete their homework or tidy up their room. It can also be used in professional settings, where a manager might chivy their employees to meet deadlines or achieve certain targets. In these instances, chivying often implies a sense of urgency or a need to accelerate progress.
Chivying typically involves a combination of verbal prompts and gentle but persistent pressure. It is not meant to be forceful or harsh, but rather to motivate someone into action through gentle prodding and encouragement. Chivying can be seen as a form of leadership or guidance, as it aims to inspire others to fulfill their responsibilities or meet objectives.
Overall, the concept of chivying encompasses the act of persistently coaxing or pushing others towards a desired outcome or action, using gentle persuasion and motivation.
The term "chivying" is derived from the word "chivy". It originated in the mid-19th century and is believed to have been derived from the London slang word "chevy". "Chevy", in turn, was a shortened form of "cheverel" or "chevauchée", terms which both referred to medieval military expeditions or raids. Over time, "chivy" or "chivying" came to mean the act of teasing, nagging, or persistently bothering someone, similar to the way one might chase or harass someone in a playful or annoying manner.