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