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

Example Sentences

Both sides "will actively implement the agreed consensus as quickly as possible" said Hsieh Chin-chin, deputy director-general of the coastguard administration.

From BBC

Ugwu did not remember his name, but he tended to eat up all the chin-chin right after it was served, so Ugwu had taken to placing the tray as far away from him as possible.

From Literature

“Would you like Ugwu to bring you some chin-chin? They’re fantastic; he made them this morning.”

From Literature

She sat upright on the sofa, legs crossed like an unfamiliar guest, and refused the chin-chin Ugwu brought on a saucer.

From Literature

“Very good, very good. Ugwu, you have to teach the people in my house because all they do with our flour is chin-chin, every day is chin-chin, chin-chin, and it is the hard kind with no taste! My teeth have finished.”

From Literature