pidgin Hear it!

pidgin Definition

pidgin (pijin)

noun

  1. a mixed language, or jargon, incorporating the vocabulary of one or more languages with a very simplified form of the grammatical system of one of these and not used as the main language of any of its speakers
  2. any of various such languages, as pidgin English or bêche-de-mer

Etymology: supposed Chin pronun. of business

pidgin Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • speak: This often happens when children speak a pidgin as their first language or mother tongue.
  • include: These include pidgins, creoles, regional dialects, minority dialects and varieties.

Modifies a noun

  • English: Pidgin English is widely spoken in Cameroon, especially in coastal areas.
  • language: They're so used to me that we can just have a laugh and even have private conversations in pidgin sign language!
  • tongue: Speakers of pidgin tongues, children at the two-word stage, and wild children are all considered to speak in protolanguage.

Browse dictionary entries near pidgin

  1. piddock
  2. piddly
  3. piddling
  4. piddler
  5. piddled
  6. piddle
  7. PID
  8. piculs
  9. picul
  10. picturizing
  1. pidgin English
  2. pie
  3. pie chart
  4. pie-eyed
  5. pie in the sky
  6. piebald
  7. piece
  8. piece-dyed
  9. piece goods
  10. piece of ass