chow-chow

See also: chowchow, chow chow, and Chow Chow

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Chinese Pidgin English chow-chow (“food”).

Noun

chow-chow (plural chow-chows)

1. A Chinese preserve
2. An American relish, containing pickled green tomatoes, cabbage, and often other vegetables.

Synonyms

• India relish
• piccalilli

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Chinese Pidgin English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

chow-chow

1. food

Verb

chow-chow

1. eat

Related terms

• chow water
• chow-box
• chow-dog

 

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: “Chow-chow: food, to eat. “My no have catchee chow-chow.””