Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cricket delivery: In the sport of cricket, a "chinaman" is a specific type of ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batter, which spins from the off side to the leg side.
   • An ethnic slur: An offensive and derogatory term for a person of Chinese descent.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Cricket):

  • The left-arm spinner surprised the batter with a perfect chinaman.
  • He is known for his ability to bowl a chinaman effectively.

• Noun (Ethnic Slur - AVOID USING):

  • This sense is a highly offensive ethnic slur. It is presented here solely for understanding its historical and derogatory nature. It should never be used in modern discourse.
  • Historical/Offensive Example: The term was used as a vile insult in discriminatory laws and rhetoric.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Cricket Terminology: The term's origin in cricket is attributed to the 1930s West Indies left-arm spinner Ellis Achong, who was of Chinese descent. The name was reportedly coined by a batter he dismissed.
• Offensive Nature: The second definition is an ethnic slur. Its use is considered racist and deeply disrespectful. Modern style guides and dictionaries often label it as offensive or taboo.

Variants and Related Words

• Chinaman's chance (Idiom, dated/offensive): An idiom meaning "a very slim chance" or "almost no chance at all." This phrase also derives from racist attitudes and stereotypes and should be avoided.
  • Example (for understanding only): He has a chinaman's chance of winning. (Meaning: He has almost no chance of winning.)

Synonyms

• For the cricket delivery: There is no direct single-word synonym. It can be described as a "left-arm unorthodox spin" or a "left-arm wrist-spinner's delivery."
• For the ethnic slur (terms to use instead): Chinese person, person of Chinese descent, Chinese national (if referring to citizenship). These are neutral and respectful terms.

Important Warning

• The term "chinaman" is primarily known today as a racist slur. Its use outside of a very specific cricket context will cause serious offense and is unacceptable. Even in cricket, some commentators and writers are moving away from the term due to its problematic origins. It is strongly recommended to use descriptive technical language (e.g., "left-arm wrist spin") instead.

Noun

1. a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg
2. (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent