chin chin

Where does the word "chin chin" come from? It comes from Chinese qǐng qǐng, passing through Chinese Pidgin English before entering English (1900s).

Chin chin’s story begins in Chinese: qǐng qǐng meant “please; an invitation or greeting.” A reduplicated polite phrase meaning 'please, please', used as a greeting. By 1800s, the word had taken hold in Chinese Pidgin English as chin-chin. Adapted into the pidgin trade language of Canton's foreign trading ports as a toast or greeting. It reached English by 1900s as chin chin. Spread into general British English as an informal drinking toast. Today, chin chin means an informal toast said before drinking, roughly equivalent to 'cheers'.

1. Stage 1 · Chinese · ancient qǐng qǐng "please; an invitation or greeting", a reduplicated polite phrase meaning 'please, please', used as a greeting.
2. Stage 2 · Chinese Pidgin English · 1800s chin-chin "a greeting or drinking toast", adapted into the pidgin trade language of Canton's foreign trading ports as a toast or greeting.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1900s chin chin "a casual toast said before drinking", spread into general British English as an informal drinking toast.