cheaps

The term "cheaps" is primarily an informal and somewhat dated English colloquialism referring to cheap or inexpensive items, or more broadly, to something of low quality or value. It can be used as a noun to denote such goods, for example, "He always buys his clothes at the cheaps." Alternatively, it can function as an adjective, though this usage is less common, perhaps appearing in phrases like "cheaps eats" to indicate low-cost food options.

The word likely derives from the Old English word "cēap," meaning "bargain" or "trade." Over time, the sense of a good bargain evolved into simply meaning "cheap." While "cheaps" was more prevalent in earlier 20th-century British English, its usage has declined, often being replaced by more direct terms like "cheap" or "bargains."

The connotation of "cheaps" can sometimes be negative, implying shoddy craftsmanship or a lack of durability, beyond simply being affordable. However, in certain contexts, it can retain a neutral or even positive association with finding a good deal or a budget-friendly option. It is rarely encountered in formal writing or modern everyday speech, existing more as a regionalism or a remnant of older linguistic patterns.