Definition of the word chink

The word "chink" has a complex and nuanced history. The term originates from the 14th century, when it referred to a narrow opening or crack in a piece of armor, such as a helmet or shield. Over time, the term evolved to mean a small opening or gap in any solid surface. However, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the word took on a new, derogatory meaning when used to refer to people of East Asian descent, particularly those of Chinese or Japanese ethnicity. This usage was a racist stereotype, implying that people of these ethnicities were somehow fractured or incomplete. Today, the term "chink" is widely recognized as a racial slur and is often used to refer to the racist and discriminatory attitudes that have historically been directed towards East Asian peoples. Its origins in the context of armor and openings serve as a stark reminder of how words can change in meaning and take on harmful connotations over time.