pidgin
noun/ˈpɪdʒɪn/
/ˈpɪdʒɪn/
[uncountable]- a simple form of a language, especially English, Portuguese or Dutch, with a limited number of words, that are used together with words from a local language. It is used when people who do not speak the same language need to talk to each other.Topics Languagec2
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- Pidgin(also Tok Pisin)a Creole language based on English, used in Papua New GuineaTopics Languagec2
- pidgin English, French, Japanese, etc. a way of speaking a language that uses simple words and forms, used when a person does not speak the language well, or when talking to somebody who does not speak the language well
- I tried to get my message across in my pidgin Italian.
Word Originlate 19th cent.: Chinese alteration of English business.
Check pronunciation:
pidgin