“Chin Chin!”

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A few years back, we were gathered with family and relatives enjoying a nice party at home. A delicious and great scented wine was poured into wine glasses. Then, someone raised his glass, gave a toast and said: “And now, Chin Chin!” (Huh? Had I heard right?)

Soon after, I thought that I might have simply misheard the words, but everyone else started saying “Chin Chin!” with their wine glasses raised to toast the occasion! “Huh? How dare they say such a vulgar thing?” I thought. The last time I had used those words was back when I was just a child. In Japanese, “Chin Chin” is the equivalent to the childish English expression, “Wee Wee” which describes a certain part of the male body. Even as children, when we used to say that to one another in a most immature way, it was hard to do so without feeling embarrassed.

However, here, the phrase “Chin Chin” is said ever so simply and even with a smile! Just imagine someone giving a toast and uttering the words “Wee Wee!” while raising a glass of wine! I remember being so surprised when I found out these words had two completely different meanings. In the French language, the word “Chin” represents a sound. The sound it makes when two glasses meet. You repeat this word twice as a toast of celebration. These words have such a different meaning in Japan!

Well, the next time you meet a Japanese person, if glasses happen to be raised for a toast… just remember not to be alarmed if he/she snorts with laughter, and even bursts out laughing, or simply frowns in disbelief… Because even after a few years, I still can’t help but snort with laughter every time! Tee hee hee!