Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
chin-chin. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
chin-chin, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
chin-chin in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
chin-chin you have here. The definition of the word
chin-chin will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
chin-chin, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology 1
From Chinese Pidgin English chin-chin, a reduplication of Shanghainese 請/请 (5chin, “please”). Sometimes, especially in Italianate spellings, reborrowed from Italian cincin.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˌt͡ʃɪnˈt͡ʃɪn/, /ˈt͡ʃɪnˌt͡ʃɪn/
- Rhymes: -ɪn
Interjection
chin-chin
- (dated) A salutation, especially a drinking toast.
1795, Michael Symes, An Account of an Embassy to the Kingdom of Ava, page 295:The two junior members of the Chinese deputation came at the appointed hour. . . . On entering the door of the marquee they both made an abrupt stop, and resisted all solicitation to advance to chairs that had been prepared for them, until I should first be seated; in this dilemma, Dr. Buchanan, who had visited China, advised me what was to be done; I immediately seized on the foremost, whilst the Doctor himself grappled with the second; thus we soon fixed them in their seats, both parties during the struggle, repeating Chin Chin, Chin Chin, the Chinese term of salutation.
Verb
chin-chin (third-person singular simple present chin-chins, present participle chin-chinning, simple past and past participle chin-chinned)
- (transitive, dated) To greet; to toast.
1859, All the Year Round, number I, page 18:She ‘chin-chins’ the captain... and then nods her pretty head.
- (intransitive, dated) To say 'chin-chin'.
1892 Sept, The Cornhill Magazine, page 268:We ‘chin-chinned’ over foaming beakers.
1966, Widow Hack, page 164:For the sake of appearances we chin-chinned and tried to look gay.
Etymology 2
Duplication of chin in its various senses. Compare chinwag.
Noun
chin-chin (countable and uncountable, plural chin-chins)
- (US, informal, archaic) Discussion, conversation, talk.
- 1877, Mark Twain, letter published in Love Letters (1949), p. 198:
- I haven't had so much chin-chin for years.
1947, Coast to Coast, page 136:Mum and Mrs. Martin had a good chin-chin at the fence about sickness and husbands.
References
- “chin chin, n.”, in OED Online , Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, 1889.
- “chin, n¹.”, in OED Online , Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, 1889.
- "Origins of Toast Are Little Hazy, but Watch Who You Salute", Evansville Courier & Press, 8 April 2009.
- "Chin-Chin", Languagehat, 26 April 2006.
Chinese Pidgin English
Etymology
From Chinese 請請/请请 (“please–please”), a reduplication of 請/请 (“please”), either Shanghainese 請/请 (5chin), Mandarin 請/请 (qǐng), or Cantonese 請/请 (cing2).
Verb
chin-chin
- worship
1860, The Englishman in China, London: Saunders, Otley, and Co., page 100:belong olo custom pidgin, any man must wantchee go chin-chin Joss new year tim.- (please add an English translation of this quotation)
- entreat, request
1860, The Englishman in China, London: Saunders, Otley, and Co., page 112:
1882, , The ‘Fan Kwae’ at Canton Before Treaty Days, 1825–1844, London: Kegan Paul, Trench, & co., page 20:
- greet
1882, , The ‘Fan Kwae’ at Canton Before Treaty Days, 1825–1844, London: Kegan Paul, Trench, & co., page 52:My chin-chin you- My compliments to you.
Interjection
chin-chin
- A greeting.
1836 January, “Jargon spoken at Canton: how it originated and has grown into use; mode in which the Chinese learn English; examples of the language in common use between foreigners and Chinese”, in The Chinese Repository, volume IV, number 9, page 434:‘Chin-chin,’ said a man behind the counter, as I entered, ‘how you do; long time my no hab see you.’- (please add an English translation of this quotation)
References
- Gow, W. S. P. (1924) Gow’s Guide to Shanghai, 1924: A Complete, Concise and Accurate Handbook of the City and District, Especially Compiled for the Use of Tourists and Commercial Visitors to the Far East, Shanghai, page 104: “Chin-chin: to worship; to reverence; to adore. Also, in politeness, to wish one well; convey good wishes. “Chin-chin Joss.” “He too much chin-chin girlee.””