Chink
/tʃɪŋk/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A small opening or crack, especially in a surface.
The old barn had a chink in the wall that let in the cold air.
A derogatory term for a person of East Asian descent.
Using the word 'chink' to describe someone is considered highly offensive.
verb
To make a chink or crack in something.
He chinked the wall to allow for better ventilation.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly derived from Chinese dialects.
Common Phrases and Expressions
chink in the armor
A small weakness in an otherwise strong defense or argument.
Related Words
slur
A word or phrase used to insult or demean someone.
stereotype
A widely held but oversimplified idea or image of a particular type of person or thing.
Slang Meanings
A derogatory term used in a discriminatory context.
The use of 'chink' in his joke was considered tasteless.