chin-chin

See also: chinchin, chinchín, and chin chin

English

Alternative forms

• chinchin, chin chin

Etymology

Borrowed from Chinese Pidgin English chin-chin.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌt͡ʃɪnˈt͡ʃɪn/, /ˈt͡ʃɪnˌt͡ʃɪn/

Interjection

chin-chin!

1. (informal, archaic) An expression of gratitude, salutation, or congratulations, especially when used as a toast.
   • 1253: William of Rubruck, Itinerarium — One day there sate by me a certain priest of Cathay, dressed in a red cloth of exquisite colour, and when I asked him whence they got such a dye, he told me how in the eastern parts of Cathay there were lofty cliffs on which dwelt certain creatures in all things partaking of human form, except that their knees did not bend. . . . The huntsmen go thither, taking very strong beer with them, and make holes in the rocks which they fill with this beer. . . . Then they hide themselves and these creatures come out of their holes and taste the liquor, and call out 'Chin Chin.'
   • 1795: Michael Symes, An Account of an Embassy to the Kingdom of Ava — 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.

Synonyms

• greetings!
• what ho
• cheers
• drink up

References

• The Oxford English Dictionary
• Hobson-Jobson

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Chinese Pidgin English

Etymology

From 請請, a repetition of 請／请 (Mandarin: qǐng; Cantonese: cing²), “please–please”.

Verb

chin-chin

1. 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.^[sic]

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

2. entreat, request
   • 1860, The Englishman in China, London: Saunders, Otley, and Co., page 112:

     My chin-chin you, pay my one moon advance wage

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

   • 1882, [William C. Hunter], The ‘Fan Kwae’ at Canton Before Treaty Days, 1825–1844, London: Kegan Paul, Trench, & co., page 20:

     Mr. Talbot chin-chin you come down.

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

3. greet
   • 1882, [William C. Hunter], 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

1. 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.””