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

So, by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin, I was allowed back in the school for the second of three years.

From The Daily Beast

Any one of the liquid waterproof black drawing inks (Chin-chin, Pelican, etc.).

From Project Gutenberg

S'pose Mr. Forrester bym-by come, you talkee he, master no got, you chin-chin he come-back.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, chin-chin, Clive, don't be so long coming down here next time.

From Project Gutenberg

You lay off this blasted chin-chin about me and my schooner!

From Project Gutenberg

"Chin-chin heap plenty now," said he, with a grin, as Wilbur came up.

From Project Gutenberg