Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about Chink (AI summary)

In literature, the term "chink" functions with notable versatility. Often it denotes a small gap or narrow opening—one through which light, sound, or a glimpse into another space might pass, as seen when a character peers through a slim fissure in a door or window ([1], [2], [3]). In other instances it evokes a delicate, metallic sound, capturing the tinkling notes of objects colliding or currency clinking, lending a rhythmic texture to the narrative ([4], [5], [6]). At times, the word also carries a pejorative connotation, used as a slur referring to individuals of East Asian descent ([7], [8]), reflecting historical prejudices within literary works. Further, "chink" can imply a slight flaw or crevice in an otherwise solid structure, both physical and metaphorical, suggesting vulnerabilities in building or character foundations ([9]). Thus, across diverse contexts, authors employ the word "chink" to subtly enrich descriptions and underline thematic nuances.
  1. Before sitting down he peered through a chink up at the nextdoor windows.
    — from Ulysses by James Joyce
  2. In one of these was a small and almost imperceptible chink through which the eye could just penetrate.
    — from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
  3. I went up to the fence and stood for a long while peeping through a chink.
    — from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
  4. Third: "Tink-tink-tink-tink-a-chink!" from the hedge.
    — from Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
  5. At length, still keeping the face towards her, it busied its hands in something, and she heard the chink of money.
    — from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
  6. [He takes out a handful of sovereigns and makes them chink].
    — from Mrs. Warren's Profession by Bernard Shaw
  7. "You wanted the Chink, didn't you, Bill?"
    — from The Million-Dollar Suitcase by Perry Newberry
  8. Aladdin was a Chinaman, and no Chink ever made even a dollar a day."
    — from Cattle-Ranch to College: The True Tales of a Boy's Adventures in the Far West by Russell Doubleday
  9. And yet the seed that was to lift the foundation of this friendship was at that moment taking root in a chink of its structure.
    — from The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, Scrabble


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy