Charlie

Alpha Charlie

A euphemistic way to refer to an "ass-chewing," a harsh or angry scolding. (When spelling something out with the NATO phonetic alphabet, the words "alpha" and "Charlie" are commonly used for the letters A and C.) The boss is totally going to give us an Alpha Charlie if he hears that we lost that big client.
See also: alpha, Charlie

Charlie Foxtrot

1. rude slang A clusterfuck, meaning a chaotic situation rife with problems. (When spelling something out with the NATO phonetic alphabet, the words "Charlie" and "Foxtrot" are commonly used for the letters C and F) Oh, the dinner party was a total Charlie Foxtrot—the roast was dry, the toilet overflowed, and everyone argued about politics.
2. vulgar slang A clusterfuck, meaning a group sexual encounter. No, I've never taken part in a Charlie Foxtrot—have you?
See also: Charlie

Charlie Irvine

slang A police officer. Charlie Irvine is closing in on us—how are we going to avoid being arrested?
See also: Charlie, Irvine

Charlie's dead

dated Used to covertly tell a woman that her slip, petticoat, or underwear are visible. Primarily heard in UK. I couldn't just let the poor woman walk around with her petticoat on full display, so I whispered, "I'm sorry, but Charlie's dead" as I walked by her. A: "OK, who's going to tell Aunt Marie that Charlie's dead?" B: "Again? I swear I see that woman's underwear more than her outerwear."
See also: dead

cheap Charlie

A derogatory term for a miserly or parsimonious person. Used largely in countries of Southeast Asia, it likely originated in Vietnam during the Vietnam War to refer to American GIs (who called soldiers of the Viet Cong "Charlie") unwilling to spend extravagantly at bars, restaurants, or for prostitutes. Buy us a round of drinks, don't be a cheap Charlie!
See also: Charlie, cheap

get a charley horse

To get a painful muscle spasm that most commonly occurs in the legs. (The term "charley horse" is thought to have originated from baseball slang.) After spending all day on my feet, I got a charley horse in my leg that was so painful, I had to sit down for a while and rest.
See also: charley, get, horse

good-time Charlie

An affable, lively, and entertaining man who is often or always seeking pleasure or a good time. I was something of a good-time Charlie back in college, always ready to party. I had a lot of friends and a great time, but I didn't get very good grades as a result.
See also: Charlie

have a charley horse

To have a painful muscle spasm that most commonly occurs in the legs. (The term "charley horse" is thought to have originated from baseball slang.) I didn't sleep well last night at all. I had a charley horse that was so bad, it woke me up.
See also: charley, have, horse
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

good-time Charlie

Affable, convivial fellow, as in Joe was a typical good-time Charlie, always ready for a party. [Colloquial; 1920s]
See also: Charlie
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

Alpha Charlie

n. a bawling out; a severe scolding. (Based on AC = ass-chewing. NATO Phonetic Alphabet.) The cop stopped me and gave me a real Alpha Charlie for speeding.
See also: alpha, Charlie

Charlie Foxtrot

and CF (The CF is from the so-called NATO Phonetic Alphabet.)
1. Go to cluster fuck (sense 1).
2. Go to cluster fuck (sense 2).
See also: Charlie

Charlie Irvine

n. a police officer. (see also Irv.) Look smart, dude, here comes Charlie Irvine.
See also: Charlie, Irvine
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

good-time Charlie

A very sociable, gregarious fellow. The term dates from the first half of the twentieth century and the original Charlie, if ever there was one, has been forgotten. The Atlantic used it ironically in November 1969: “A royal-style good-time Charlie . . . akin to Edward VII.”
See also: Charlie
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer

good-time Charlie

An easygoing and sociable guy. Popular in the 1920s, the phrase described a man who was always ready to have fun, although it sometimes meant someone who was your pal only during good times and who would desert you in your hour of need.
See also: Charlie
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • Alpha Charlie
  • business
  • give (someone) what for, to
  • the rough edge of (one's) tongue
  • what the hay
  • what the hey
  • what the F
  • imbalance
  • chemical imbalance
References in periodicals archive
Charlie's mother, Lynsey Dunn, 28, was given an eight-month suspended jail term after admitting neglecting Charlie in a separate incident in 2015, when a neighbour prevented the then four-year-old from driving a toy car on to a main road.
Stepfather jailed over boy's water park death
Charlie's heart problem was first diagnosed during Tracie's pregnancy at her 20-week scan.
Five weeks old and in urgent need of new heart; family call for public to sign up for organ donation register
Charlie's case showcased the power of social media, and media in general, in good and bad ways; as well as how they affect medical ethics and decision making.
What Lessons from Charlie?
Mr Pence tweeted: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard.
World pays tribute to little Charlie
GOSH, where Charlie spent most of his short life, sent "heartfelt condolences" to his family, while Mrs May said she was "deeply saddened" by his death.
Tributes pour in as Charlie Gard parents mourn death of their 'beautiful little boy'
He has not revealed when Charlie will move and has said the hospice cannot be identified in media reports.
Charlie Gard to spend his last hours in hospice; PARENTS SAY THEIR 'FINAL WISH' HAS BEEN DENIED
They said the "unstoppable effects" of Charlie's rare illness had become plainer as weeks passed.
'Our boy was left to lie in hospital without any treatment whilst court battles were fought...now he won't make his first birthday' Parents say Charlie Gard deserved chance of treatment earlier
The only hope Charlie Gard has now is if someone like President Donald Trump lands in Air Force One and takes Charlie to New York, by some measure of persuasion.
Touched by little Charlie's plight; Get in touch - tell us what you think Email: letters@birminghammail.co.uk Twitter: @birminghammail Facebook: facebook.com/birminghammail Post: Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, B24 9FF
Ice Cube wrote on his Twitter account: "Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy.
Eddie Murphy paid tribute to Charlie Murphy
They went out as a gang, and Charlie walked behind with Ben, as Beth walked ahead with the others.
Pad Thai; Travelling through Thailand with a group of strangers would test Beth and Charlie's relationship to the limit
After the first hunt in the blind, Charlie realized it would be much easier for him to shoot out of the various windows if he removed his prosthetic leg.
Sika deer & wounded warriors
Max & Charlie veers from one encounter to the next during Charlie's search, most of which entertain, but following the storytelling can be tricky at times due to the heavy reliance on visuals.
Max & Charlie
Charlie, who was studying engineering in Huddersfield.
Football club's tribute over death of young fan
With Carol already party to his big secret, this week it's Max who has alarm bells ringing, when his squeeze DC Summerhayes reveals that Charlie is not a real policeman.
Charlie's a marked man; The shifty detective's lies are not much cop - and who's been vandalising his car? SOAPS We love
Black Card Radio's Charlie Tuna continues to grow with additions and changes in several markets.
Charlie Tuna swims, adds markets