DCHP-2
chimo [< Esk.] North DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
THIS ENTRY MAY CONTAIN OUTDATED INFORMATION, TERMS and EXAMPLES
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).
- 1748 The Person in the Canoe . . . shewed a Piece of Whale-bone, repeating Chima, and moving his Left-hand circularly upon his left Breast. . . .