chink
C2 (for the physical opening/sound meanings). The offensive ethnic slur is dated and highly offensive, but its recognition is widespread.For 'opening/crack' and 'sound' meanings: literary, descriptive. For the offensive ethnic slur: offensive, taboo.
Definition
Meaning
A narrow opening or crack; a light metallic or jingling sound.
As a verb: to make a light, sharp sound; to cause something to have a narrow crack. Historically offensive: a derogatory term for a Chinese person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has three distinct, unrelated meanings: 1) a physical opening, 2) a light sound, 3) (offensive) a derogatory ethnic slur. The first two are neutral; the third is extremely offensive and dated. Context is critical to avoid grave misunderstanding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal meanings (crack, sound) are understood and used similarly in both varieties, though slightly more common in British literary use. The offensive slur was historically used in both but is equally taboo.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary risk is the potential confusion with the offensive term. Users must be extremely careful.
Frequency
The literal meanings are low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions. The idiom 'chink in one's armour' is known in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] chink of [N] (a chink of light)[V] a chink (hear a chink)chink in [N] (chink in the armour)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chink in someone's armour/armor: a vulnerable point.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The report exposed a chink in the company's cybersecurity armour.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing due to potential confusion. May appear in literary analysis describing imagery.
Everyday
Very rare for the literal meanings. The offensive slur is universally avoided.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The coins chinked in his pocket as he walked.
- He chinked his glass against mine for a toast.
American English
- The ice cubes chinked in the glass.
- They chinked their beer bottles together.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form is used.
American English
- No standard adverbial form is used.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival form is used.
American English
- No standard adjectival form is used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A chink of sunlight came through the curtains.
- I heard the chink of cups from the kitchen.
- The detective was looking for a chink in the suspect's alibi.
- The only sound was the quiet chink of cutlery.
- Her confident demeanour showed not a single chink of self-doubt.
- The treaty was strong, but negotiators feared a latent chink in its wording.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CHINK in a china cup might go CLINK when you tap it.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAKNESS IS A CRACK IN A SOLID SURFACE (e.g., 'chink in one's armour').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- DO NOT confuse with Russian 'чин' (rank/official).
- The sound meaning is close to 'звяканье'.
- The 'opening' meaning is близко to 'щель'.
- EXTREME CAUTION: The offensive meaning has no direct Russian equivalent and must be understood as a highly charged ethnic slur.
Common Mistakes
- Using it casually without awareness of the offensive homograph.
- Misspelling as 'chink' for the drink 'kink'.
- Using it in plural form for the sound ('chinks') where 'clinking' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'chink' is considered highly offensive and must be avoided?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but with extreme caution. The meanings related to a narrow opening or a light sound are standard English, though somewhat literary. However, due to the existence of a homophobic offensive ethnic slur, many writers and speakers avoid the word altogether to prevent any risk of misunderstanding or causing offence.
The most common modern use is in the metaphorical idiom 'a chink in one's armour' (or 'armor' in US English), meaning a weak point or vulnerability.
Ensure the context makes the intended meaning crystal clear. Prefacing it with words like 'small', 'narrow', or 'metallic' can help. Using the common collocations ('chink of light', 'chink in the armour') is safer as they are established phrases.
It is a racial slur with a long history of being used to demean, stereotype, and exclude people of Chinese or broader East Asian descent. Its use perpetuates racism and causes significant harm, and it has no place in respectful discourse.