chancer

IPA/ˈtʃɑːnsə(r)/
IPA/ˈtʃænsər/

chancer — noun

  • chancersingular
  • chancersplural

1. A person who regularly looks for chances to benefit themselves, often by acting

1.名詞B2
釋義

A person who regularly looks for chances to benefit themselves, often by acting dishonestly or taking unfair advantage of opportunities that come their way.

例句

Everyone at the office knew that Otis was a chancer — he would take credit for other people's work whenever possible.

definitional clause after dash showing chancer behaviour

The landlord called Benjamin a chancer for trying to charge double the market rent during the housing crisis.

call [someone] a chancer for [doing something]

同義詞
  • opportunist

    a more neutral term; 'chancer' is always negative and informal

  • schemer

    focuses on careful planning; 'chancer' is more about seizing sudden opportunities

  • wheeler-dealer

    specifically about shady business deals; 'chancer' is broader

文法句型

usually singular in 'a bit of a chancer'

用法筆記

Common in informal British and Irish English. Although it derives from 'chance', calling someone a 'chancer' implies deliberate scheming, not mere luck.

常見錯誤

❌He is a real chancer — he started his own business with no safety net.
✅He is a real risk-taker
💡he started his own business with no safety net.' — 'chancer' suggests selfish or dishonest behaviour, not just courage.
❌She is a chancer who won the lottery twice.
✅She is a lucky person who won the lottery twice.
💡'chancer' is about actively seeking unfair advantage, not about luck.