pidgin English

Or Pidgin English

noun

1. a pidgin language based on English formerly used in commerce in Chinese ports.

2. a similar language used in other areas, such as Papua New Guinea (where it has semiofficial status) and parts of West Africa.

pidgin English

noun

1. a pidgin in which one of the languages involved is English

Word History and Origins

Origin of pidgin English¹

1820–30; pidgin, pigeon < Chinese Pidgin English: business, affair; etymology uncertain, but often alleged to be Chin pronunciation of business