Chinaman

[ chahy-nuh-muhn ]

noun

, plural Chi·na·men.

1. Older Use: Offensive. a term used to refer to a Chinese person or a person of Chinese descent.
2. (often lowercase) Older Slang: Offensive. a person regarded as one's benefactor, sponsor, or protector.
3. (lowercase) Archaic. a person who imports or sells china.

Chinaman

/ ˈtʃaɪnəmən /

noun

1. archaic.
   a native or inhabitant of China
2. often not capital cricket a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg

Sensitive Note

Historically, Chinaman was a neutral compound word, similar to Irishman or Englishman , but it began to take on negative connotations in the 19th century, when many Chinese immigrants went to work in the American West. The expression a Chinaman's chance originally made reference to these Chinese laborers, though the exact origin of the phrase is disputed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Chinaman¹

First recorded in 1765–75; China + -man

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. a Chinaman's chance, Older Use: Offensive. the slightest chance.

Example Sentences

Because in far distant times he saved the life of a Chinaman from the fury of a crocodile.

From Project Gutenberg

In the dimly-lighted doorway of a corner house the figure of a Chinaman showed as a motionless silhouette.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon one of the tea-chests placed beside the cupboard which had contained the lantern a Chinaman was seated.

From Project Gutenberg

Sin Sin Wa never moved, and the raven, settling down upon the Chinaman's shoulder, closed his serviceable eye.

From Project Gutenberg

But it had been altered to suit the Chinaman's purpose, and one end—that in which the passage came out—was timbered.

From Project Gutenberg