Is it ok to call ''chav-like people'' in the USA chavs?

Question

I know it's a British term but I like it, even more so that you could call someone a chav here, and they'd have no idea what you said to them.
Finally, what's the proper pronunciation of Chav?
Chav with a short 'a'?
Chov?
Something different?

Answer 1

I do it. It makes people irrationally mad. "What did you just call me? Huh? A what?" It's funny.

Answer 2

Americans won't get it.