A chinaman’s chance
[chahy-nuh-muh n] /ˈtʃaɪ nə mən/
noun, plural chinamen.
older use: usually offensive. a term used to refer to a chinese or a person of chinese descent.
(lowercase) archaic. a person who imports or sells china.
(often lowercase) political slang. a person regarded as one’s benefactor, sponsor, or protector:
to see one’s chinaman about a favor.
idioms
a chinaman’s chance, usually offensive. the slightest chance:
he hasn’t a chinaman’s chance of getting that job.
usage note
chinaman
/ˈtʃaɪnəmən/
noun (pl) -men
(archaic or derogatory) a native or inhabitant of china
(often not capital) (cricket) a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg
chinaman
n.
1711, “native of china,” from china + man (n.). also in 18c., “dealer in china wares” (1728).
noun
a sailor who works in a ship’s laundry (1950s+ merchant marine)
a police officer’s patron and influential political friend; rabbi: police officer needed a chinaman, or sponsor (1970s+ police)
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