ching: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
low-medium (common in informal/slang contexts, onomatopoeic use; rare in formal writing).informal, slang, onomatopoeia
Quick answer
What does “ching” mean?
A sharp, high-pitched ringing or clinking sound, typically metallic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sharp, high-pitched ringing or clinking sound, typically metallic; used as an onomatopoeic noun or verb.
Informal/colloquial term for money (slang, often plural: 'chings'), particularly cash; also used as a verb to mean 'to make a ringing sound'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slang for 'money' is more common in British/Australian English than in American English. Onomatopoeic use is understood in both.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with cash/money in slang. US: Primarily onomatopoeic, less monetary.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK informal speech; lower in US, where 'cha-ching' (cash register sound) is more common for money references.
Grammar
How to Use “ching” in a Sentence
[Something] chings[Someone] chings [something]There was a chingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ching” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bell will ching when the door opens.
- He chinged his glass against the bottle.
American English
- The bicycle bell chinged softly.
- She chinged the coins together in her hand.
adverb
British English
- (rare; not standard)
American English
- (rare; not standard)
adjective
British English
- It made a ching noise.
- (rare as adjective)
American English
- A ching sound came from the kitchen.
- (rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business; occasionally in informal contexts referring to cash profits.
Academic
Virtually never used except in linguistic studies of onomatopoeia or slang.
Everyday
Used for describing sounds, or informally for money.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ching”
- Using 'ching' in formal writing; overusing as slang for money in American contexts; confusing with 'chink' (which can be problematic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily as onomatopoeia (a word that imitates a sound). It's also informal slang for money.
No, it is informal. Use 'clink', 'ring', or 'jingle' instead for sounds, and 'money' or 'cash' instead of the slang.
'Ching' is a single sharp sound. 'Cha-ching' (or 'ka-ching') imitates a cash register sound and is strongly associated with money/making a sale.
Not inherently, but be careful with pronunciation/spelling to avoid confusion with the offensive term 'chink'. Context is key.
A sharp, high-pitched ringing or clinking sound, typically metallic.
Ching: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ching ching (slang for money/cash)”
- “the ching of the cash register (sound of commerce)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound a small bell or a coin makes when dropped — 'CHING'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS SOUND (coins jingling = wealth).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'ching' most commonly used as slang for money?