Chinaman

[chahy-nuh-muh n] /ˈtʃaɪ nə mən/
noun, plural Chinamen.
1.
Older Use: Usually Offensive. a term used to refer to a Chinese or a person of Chinese descent.
2.
(lowercase) Archaic. a person who imports or sells china.
3.
(often lowercase) Political Slang. a person regarded as one's benefactor, sponsor, or protector:
to see one's chinaman about a favor.
Idioms
4.
a Chinaman's chance, Usually Offensive. the slightest chance:
He hasn't a Chinaman's chance of getting that job.
Origin
1765-75; China + -man
Usage note
Historically, Chinaman was a neutral compound word, similar to Irishman or Englishman, but it began to take on negative connotations in the 19th century, when many Chinese immigrants went to work in the American West. The expression a Chinaman's chance originally made reference to these Chinese laborers, though the exact origin of the phrase is disputed.
British Dictionary definitions for chinaman's chance

Chinaman

/ˈtʃaɪnəmən/
noun (pl) -men
1.
(archaic or derogatory) a native or inhabitant of China
2.
(often not capital) (cricket) a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg
Word Origin and History for chinaman's chance

Chinaman

n.

1711, "native of China," from China + man (n.). Also in 18c., "dealer in china wares" (1728).

Slang definitions & phrases for chinaman's chance

Chinaman

noun
  1. A sailor who works in a ship's laundry (1950s+ Merchant marine)
  2. A police officer's patron and influential political friend; rabbi: police officer needed a Chinaman, or sponsor (1970s+ Police)

Idioms and Phrases with chinaman's chance

Chinaman's chance

Also,
ghost of a chance
. An extremely slim chance, a hopeless undertaking. Both versions are most often put negatively, as in
He hasn't a Chinaman's chance of finishing the work in time
, or
They haven't a ghost of a chance to get as far as the playoffs
. The first term, now considered offensive, dates from the late 1800s when many Chinese immigrants came to work in California and were resented because they worked for lower wages. Its precise allusion is unclear. The variant, which relies on the meaning of
ghost
as an insubstantial shadow, dates from the mid-1800s. Also see the synonyms