a toast

at cin cin

WHAT DOES CIN CIN MEAN?

Cin Cin (pronounced “chin – chin”) is a part of the Italian tradition of toasting along with the word “salute”.
While English speakers toast saying “cheers” while raising a glass, the Italians say “Cin Cin”.

Originally the term Cin Cin comes from the Chinese ch’ing ch’ing, which in the past meant “you’re welcome, you’re welcome” (nowadays in Chinese it means “kiss”).
The word was used as a nice fun greeting (like the English “cheers”) among sailors from Canton, who brought it onto European ports in the ancient era. Due to its onomatopoeic sound, Cin Cin was fast and easily matched to the sound of clinking glasses together while toasting.

The practice of toasting originated in Ancient Greece, at a time when fear of poisoning was a significant concern. To put guests at ease, the host would pour the guests' wine from a common decanter, take the first drink to demonstrate its safety, then raise his cup to the guests and invite them to drink in good health. The custom of touching glasses also eased concerns about poisoning, since clinking glasses together would cause each ones drink to spill over into the others.