chlápci

Chlápci is a Czech diminutive term commonly used to refer to boys or young men. It translates directly to "little guys" or "lads" in English. The word is derived from "chlap," which means "man" or "guy." The diminutive suffix "-ci" softens the term, making it sound more affectionate or informal.

The usage of chlápci is generally positive and often conveys a sense of camaraderie or familiarity. It can be employed by adults when speaking about younger males, or by peers to address each other. The term is not gender-specific in its grammatical form, but in common usage, it exclusively refers to males.

In certain contexts, chlápci can also be used metaphorically to refer to men who are perceived as immature or perhaps not taking a situation seriously. However, this is a less common application and depends heavily on the tone and situation in which the word is used. The primary meaning remains that of young boys or lads. It is a widely understood and frequently used word within the Czech language, contributing to the expressive nature of Czech colloquialisms.