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,” Helen says, raising her cup of tea in a toast.

From Literature

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

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

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

From Literature