Classic vs. Chic — What's the Difference?

A classic is an outstanding example of a particular style; something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality; of the first or highest quality, class, or rank – something that exemplifies its class. The word can be an adjective (a classic car) or a noun (a classic of English literature).

Chic (; French: [ʃik]), meaning "stylish" or "smart", is an element of fashion. It was originally a French word.

Belonging to the highest rank or class.

Elegantly and stylishly fashionable

Serving as the established model or standard

Stylishness and elegance, typically of a specified kind

Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.

Conforming to the current fashion; stylish

Adhering or conforming to established standards and principles

Adopting or setting current fashions and styles; sophisticated

Of a well-known type; typical

The quality or state of being stylish; fashionableness.

Of or characteristic of the literature, art, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome; classical.

Sophistication in dress and manner; elegance.

Formal, refined, and restrained in style.

Elegant, stylish.

Simple and harmonious; elegant

Good form; style.

Having historical or literary associations

(countable) A person with (a particular type of) chic.

An artist, author, or work generally considered to be of the highest rank or excellence, especially one of enduring significance.

A kind of ritual buffoon or clown in Yucatec Maya culture.

A work recognized as definitive in its field.

Original and in good taste or form; stylish; in current fashion, fashionable.

A literary work of ancient Greece or Rome.

Elegance by virtue of being fashionable

Classics The languages and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. Used with the.

Elegant and stylish;

One that is of the highest rank or class

A typical or traditional example.

(Informal) A superior or unusual example of its kind

A traditional event, especially a major sporting event that is held annually

Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.

Exemplary of a particular style; defining a class/category; typical.

Exhibiting timeless quality and excellence.

Characteristic of or from the past; old; retro; vintage.

Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, especially to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds.

Traditional; original.

A perfect and/or early example of a particular style.

An artistic work of lasting worth, such as a film or song; a work of enduring excellence.

The author of such a work.

A major, long-standing sporting event.

(horse racing) Any of the British Classic Races, five long-standing Group 1 horse races run during the traditional flat racing season.

(dated) One learned in the literature of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome; a student of classical literature.

Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.

Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, esp. to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds.

Conforming to the best authority in literature and art; chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical style.

A work of acknowledged excellence and authority, or its author; - originally used of Greek and Latin works or authors, but now applied to authors and works of a like character in any language.

One learned in the literature of Greece and Rome, or a student of classical literature.

A creation of the highest excellence

An artist who has created classic works

Characteristic of the classical artistic and literary traditions

Adhering to established standards and principles;