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pidgin

Syllabification: (pidg·in)
Pronunciation: /ˈpijən/

Translate pidgin | into German
Definition of pidgin

noun

[often as modifier]
  • a grammatically simplified form of a language, used for communication between people not sharing a common language. Pidgins have a limited vocabulary, some elements of which are taken from local languages, and are not native languages, but arise out of language contact between speakers of other languages. Compare with Creole (sense 2 of the noun).
  • (Pidgin)another term for Tok Pisin.
  • [as modifier] denoting a simplified form of a language, especially as used by a nonnative speaker:we exchanged greetings, communicating in pidgin Spanish

Origin:

late 19th century: Chinese alteration of English business

pidgin in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of pidgin in the British & World English dictionary

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