DCHP-1 Online

chimo [< Esk.] North

• interj. an Eskimo greeting.

  See also: tima  

  • 1748  The Person in the Canoe . . . shewed a Piece of Whale-bone, repeating Chima, and moving his Left-hand circularly upon his left Breast. . . .
  • 1812  (1819)  When they had got within a short distance of the vessel, they all set up a loud cry, every one repeating the word chimò, chimò, which, in their language, signifies trade.
  • 1858  . . . Chimo (the i and o of which are sounded long) is an Esquimaux word of salutation. . . .
  • 1938  Chimo is a mixed Indian and Eskimo word, and has been taken to have several meanings. Andrew Graham in 1768 writes . . . The Eskimos "rub their breast with their open hand, calling in a pitiful tone, Chimo! Chimo! which is a sign of peace and friendship." In 1814 Lieut. Edward Chappell writes that "Chymo" means to barter. The Eskimos today use it as a greeting.
  • 1964  Chimo Cheeckakos. (That's pronounced chee-mo).