'Chums' is a word that has become nearly extinct in our vocabulary. And it's such a nice little word. A good, jolly feeling comes into your head when you say it. "We're great chums, Sylvie and I" one says, and instantly you know they do ever so many sweet things together, and that they will be chums for years and years. Or if someone told you "You're a chum", wouldn't you feel on top of the world? You're a chum, and they know it. People trust a chum. People can't help but have fun with a chum. Everyone likes a chum.
'Chum' is starting to look rather strange.