Chao

/ˈtʃaʊ/ noun

Definition

A casual way of saying goodbye, borrowed from Italian 'ciao,' used in English to bid someone farewell.

Etymology

From Italian 'ciao,' which comes from Venetian 'ciao' (literally 'your servant'), derived from Latin 'servus' (servant). A shortened goodbye phrase.

Kelly Says

When you say 'ciao,' you're literally saying 'I am your servant'—it's a polite farewell that Venetian traders brought to English, and now it sounds more Italian than English.

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