pidgin English

or Pidgin English

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noun

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

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

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of pidgin English

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

Words nearby pidgin English

piddle, piddling, piddock, Pidgeon, pidgin, pidgin English, pidginize, Pidgin Sign English, pi-dog, pidyon haben, pie

How to use pidgin English in a sentence

Chop” is pidgin-English for “quick,” the Chinese word for the articles being kwai-tsze, meaning “the quick ones.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 3|Various
Have you ever heard a light-yellow, lean, sad, earnest Chinaman stutter in pidgin-English?
Some Reminiscences|Joseph Conrad
The author aims at copying the methods of naturally formed international languages like the lingua franca or Pidgin-English.
International Language|Walter J. Clark
Pidgin-English amused me very much, as it amuses every one who visits China.
My Life in Many States and in Foreign Lands|George Francis Train

He seemed to be having difficulty with the language, and was eking out his Pidgin-English with pantomime.
Blindfolded|Earle Ashley Walcott

British Dictionary definitions for pidgin English

pidgin English

noun

a pidgin in which one of the languages involved is English

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012