Chinks

/tʃɪŋks/ noun, verb

Definition

Narrow openings or cracks in something; or the sounds made by coins or glasses touching each other.

Etymology

From Middle English 'chinke' (a narrow opening). Possibly related to 'chine' (a ravine or crevice). The sound meaning developed because that's what happens when you fill small gaps—they echo.

Kelly Says

The 'chink in the armor' phrase comes from medieval warfare—literally, a tiny gap in a knight's armor could be fatal, making 'chink' a perfect word for small vulnerabilities that can have huge consequences.

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