Chappie is the Japanese nickname for the AI conversational service ChatGPT, created by adding the casual, affectionate ‘-pie’ to ‘chat’, effectively anthropomorphising the service. Calling ChatGPT ‘Chappie’ makes it seem cute, less a tool and more something (someone?) to have a conversation with or ask advice from.

The name ‘Chappie’ is also an example of the cultural tendency in Japan to make things ‘cute’. Seen dispassionately, ChatGPT is nothing more than silicon, software, but the name makes it feel almost like a partner or a friend.

In 2025, the nickname was even nominated for the ‘Buzzword of the Year’ award.