chin-chin

chin-chin

Chin-chin! Let's have a drink.

Definition

  1. Interjection:

    • Greeting or farewell: "chin-chin" is an informal interjection used to say hello or goodbye, particularly in casual or friendly contexts. It is often associated with British English or expatriate communities.
    • Toast: It can also be used as a toast when drinking, similar to "cheers."

  2. Noun:

    • Polite conversation: "chin-chin" refers to light, casual, or social talk, often used in a slightly old-fashioned or humorous way.
    • Trivial chatter: It can also denote meaningless or idle gossip.
Usage Examples

  • Interjection:

    • "Chin-chin!" he said as he raised his glass. (Used as a toast before drinking.)
    • They waved and called out "chin-chin" as the guests departed. (Used as a farewell.)

  • Noun:

    • We spent the afternoon engaged in chin-chin. (Casual, polite conversation.)
    • I'm tired of all this chin-chin; let's discuss something serious. (Trivial or idle chatter.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to make chin-chin": to engage in polite, often superficial, conversation.

    • At the party, they made chin-chin with the other guests. (They exchanged pleasantries.)

  • "chin-chin" as a toast: In some contexts, it is specifically used when clinking glasses, especially in informal or humorous settings.

    • "Chin-chin to your health!" (A friendly toast.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Chin-chinning (verb, present participle): engaging in idle conversation.
    • They were chin-chinning by the fireplace. (They were chatting casually.)
Synonyms
  • Greeting: hello, goodbye, cheers, salutations.
  • Conversation: chat, gossip, small talk, prattle.
Related Idioms
  • "Chin-chin, old boy": A stereotypical phrase evoking upper-class British or colonial usage, often used humorously.
    • "Chin-chin, old boy," he said with a mock posh accent. (An exaggerated, jocular farewell.)