chicom
Very lowDerogatory slang, archaic
Definition
Meaning
A derogatory and dated term for a Chinese communist, or Chinese communist-manufactured goods.
A slang and typically pejorative term that emerged during the Cold War, specifically referring to a Chinese communist person or item (especially military or cheap consumer goods) from Maoist China. It is now considered highly offensive and outdated in serious discourse, though it may appear in historical contexts or fringe political commentary.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term combines 'Chi(nese)' and 'Com(munist)' and carries strong ideological and historical baggage from the mid-20th century. Its usage today is almost exclusively found in niche historical/military discussions or used deliberately for its offensive, anachronistic punch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. The term originated and was primarily used in American military and political jargon during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. British usage would be exceedingly rare and likely only in historical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is strongly derogatory, politically charged, and dated. It implies ideological opposition and often a perception of inferior quality or threat.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly higher historical attestation in American sources.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Used attributively as a noun modifier (chicom X)Used as a countable noun (the Chicoms)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable. The term itself is a slang compound, not a base for idioms.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. Would be considered highly unprofessional and offensive.
Academic
Only in historical or political science papers as a quoted term, with heavy contextualization and disclaimers about its derogatory nature.
Everyday
Not used in polite or standard conversation. Its use would mark the speaker as holding extreme or anachronistic views.
Technical
Possible but discouraged in military history contexts to describe specific equipment (e.g., 'Chicom Type 56 rifle'), though modern scholarship prefers neutral descriptors.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The museum had a display of chicom weaponry from the Korean War.
- He collected chicom propaganda posters.
American English
- They were firing back with chicom AKs.
- The report mentioned captured chicom equipment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is not used at the A2 level due to its offensive and specialized nature.
- (In a history book) Soldiers sometimes called them 'chicom' fighters.
- The term 'chicom' is a derogatory Cold War-era label for Chinese communists and should be avoided in formal writing.
- Analysts caution against using historically loaded epithets like 'chicom', which frame the discussion in obsolete ideological terms and obscure nuanced understanding.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a vintage military map with 'CHInese COMMunist' hastily stamped as 'CHICOM' over a red star. It's a clipped, Cold War-era label.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENEMY AS LABEL / IDEOLOGY AS PRODUCT. The term metaphorically reduces a person/group to a political affiliation and, when referring to goods, implies the ideology is embedded in the product's (inferior) quality.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do NOT translate directly as 'китаец' or 'китайский'. This is a serious error. The term is specifically political and insulting, akin to 'красный китаец' or the derogatory Soviet-era shorthand 'чжунгуз' but with a stronger anti-communist slant.
- It is not a synonym for 'made in China'. Using it as such would be deeply offensive and show ignorance of its historical weight.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a neutral term for modern Chinese people or products.
- Assuming it is acceptable in contemporary political analysis.
- Pronouncing it with a soft 'ch' (/tʃ/) as in 'cheese'; it uses the hard 'ch' (/tʃaɪ/) as in 'China'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'chicom' be MOST appropriate to use?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered derogatory, dated, and offensive. Neutral terms like 'Chinese communist' (for historical contexts) or 'made in China' (for goods) should be used instead.
Absolutely not. Using it for contemporary goods is inaccurate (as it refers to a specific historical period) and highly offensive, as it imports Cold War hostility into a modern commercial context.
For comprehension of historical texts, films, or veterans' accounts from the mid-20th century. It is a recognition vocabulary item, not for active use.
In an academic or professional setting, it is appropriate to point out its derogatory and anachronistic nature. In casual conversation, understand that the speaker is likely using deliberately provocative or outdated language.