Courteous chaps irk workers (8)
I believe the answer is:
gallants
'courteous chaps' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'irk workers' is the wordplay.
'irk' becomes 'gall' (synonyms).
'workers' becomes 'ants' (worker ants).
'gall'+'ants'='GALLANTS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gallants that I've seen before include "Dashing, debonair young men" , "Men attentive to women - they sound brave" , "Brave and chivalrous men" .)