Chinee

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Usage notes 1.3 Related terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

China + -ee

[edit] Noun

Chinee (plural Chinees)

1. a person from China

[edit] Usage notes

• Now considered merely an illiterate alternative to Chinese, this was a pejorative term in the United States in the 19th century.

• Appeared in Robert A. Heinlein's "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress". The heavily multi-ethnic Moon/Luna settlers ("Loonies") made frequent use of it, apparently as a simple corruption of "Chinese" since no derogatory intent was clear. Transition from pejorative to neutral vernacular is also possible.

[edit] Related terms

• Portugee