chink

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent
  2. noun a narrow opening as e.g. between planks in a wall
  3. noun a short light metallic sound

Etymology

Of uncertain origin, but apparently an extension, with diminutive -k (see more at -ock), of Middle English chine (or, if already suffixed in Middle English, *chinek), from Old English ċine (“a crack, chine, chink”), equivalent to chine + -k.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Chinaman

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