Chinaism
/ˈtʃaɪ.nə.ɪzəm/noun
A Chinese idiom, characteristic, custom, or peculiarity.
Did you know?Chinaism is a rare historical dictionary word, usually meaning a Chinese linguistic or cultural peculiarity rather than a formal political ideology.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Σῆρες (Sēres)
“A name used for the Seres, a people associated with silk from the distant East; this was not yet the modern name China.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Cīna
“A name for China or the people of China, traditionally associated with the Qin dynasty, though the ultimate origin remains debated.”
Medieval Persian
Persian
چینی (chīnī)
“Chinese; later also associated with Chinese porcelain and other Chinese goods.”
16th Century
European languages
China
“The country name entering European usage through forms such as Portuguese China and related Romance-language forms.”
19th Century
English
Chinaism
“China combined with the suffix -ism, forming a noun for a Chinese idiom, custom, or distinctive cultural feature.”
Modern English
English
Chinaism
“A rare or historical term for a Chinese peculiarity, especially one of language or cultural practice.”