chin-chin

American  

[chin-chin] / ˈtʃɪnˌtʃɪn /

noun

1. polite and ceremonious speech.

2. light conversation; chitchat.

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verb (used without object)

chin-chinned, chin-chinning

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 British  

1. informal a greeting, farewell, or toast

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Etymology

Origin of chin-chin

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

Example Sentences

Chin chin … Malcolm McDowell's Alex is tormented by the sound of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

From The Guardian • Jul. 11, 2012

Chin, chin, my hearty, I’m delighted to see you and Ned safe and sound, after all your wanderings and wonderful adventures, which a little bird, not caged, though, has told us of!

From Crown and Anchor Under the Pen'ant by Greene, John B.