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chimo

[< Esk.]

North

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

interj.

an Eskimo greeting.

See: tima

Quotations

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

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).