What does chapeau mean?
Chapeau is the French word for hat, adopted into English as a somewhat whimsical or refined alternative for a head covering, particularly a large, showy, or elaborately decorated one. It appears most often in descriptions of fashion and millinery, lending a touch of elegance or old-world charm: one might speak of a wide-brimmed summer chapeau or a velvet chapeau crowned with plumes. The word also survives in heraldry, where a chapeau is a specific stylized hat with a curved brim used to signify noble rank. In addition, English speakers sometimes borrow the French exclamation "Chapeau!", meaning "hats off!" or "well done!", as a gesture of admiration. Borrowed from Old French, the word ultimately derives from Latin cappa, the same root that gives us cap, cape, and chaperone. While interchangeable with "hat", chapeau carries connotations of style, formality, and a certain theatrical flair that plain English headwear words lack.
A hat, especially a large or elaborately decorated one; also, in heraldry, a low-crowned hat with a curved brim borne as a charge to denote rank.
"He tipped his chapeau politely as the procession passed."
Often used playfully or in fashion writing rather than everyday speech.
An exclamation of praise or congratulation, equivalent to "hats off!".
"Chapeau to the whole team for pulling off such a flawless launch."
Borrowed from French; informal and slightly tongue-in-cheek in English.
The French-style plural 'chapeaux' is traditional, especially in fashion contexts, though the anglicized 'chapeaus' is acceptable.
"The boutique displayed a dazzling array of chapeaux in every colour imaginable."
When French speakers say 'chapeau!' to applaud you, they're literally tipping their hat to your achievement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chapeau
Chapeau comes from Old French chapeau, meaning a hat or hood, which derives from Late Latin cappa, a cloak or hood-like garment. This same Latin root produced the English words cap, cape, and chaperone (originally a protective hood). The word entered English in the medieval period via Norman French and has long been used both literally for hats and technically in heraldry; its use as an exclamation of praise comes directly from modern French idiom.
How chapeau is actually used
In modern English, 'chapeau' is chiefly a playful or elevated synonym for 'hat', often evoking vintage fashion or millinery. As an interjection borrowed from French, it is informal and carries a tone of admiring congratulations.
Easily confused with chapeau
A chateau is a French country house or castle, while a chapeau is a hat — the two differ by only two letters but mean entirely different things.