chin-chin

[ chin-chin ]

noun

1. polite and ceremonious speech.
2. light conversation; chitchat.

verb (used without object)

, chin-chinned, chin-chin·ning.

1. to speak politely and ceremoniously.
2. to talk casually and lightly; chat.

interjection

1. (used as a greeting or farewell.)
2. (used as a toast, as in drinking to someone's health.)

chin-chin

sentence substitute

1. informal.
   a greeting, farewell, or toast

Word History and Origins

Origin of chin-chin¹

First recorded in 1785–95; from Chinese qǐng-qǐng literally, “please, please,” used as a greeting and as a toast in drinking

Word History and Origins

Origin of chin-chin¹

C18: from Chinese (Peking) ch'ing-ch'ing please-please