pidgin
UK[ˈpɪdʒ.ɪn]US[ˈpɪdʒ.ɪn]
n
A simplified form of speech that is a mixture of two or more languages, used for communication between people who do not share a common language.
Etymology
The word 'pidgin' is a fascinating example of linguistic adaptation and mispronunciation. It originates from the Chinese Pidgin English pronunciation of the English word 'business' in the mid-19th century, reflecting its primary use in commercial contexts. This term was then generalized to describe any similar simplified contact language that develops for practical communication between groups with no common tongue. The evolution from 'business' to 'pidgin' illustrates how core functional needs—trade and basic interaction—can shape and name a fundamental linguistic phenomenon.
Analysis
The word 'pidgin' is a simplex word. It is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes within the English spelling system.
Examples
They communicated using a pidgin of English and local dialects.
Tok Pisin is an official language of Papua New Guinea that began as an English-based pidgin.
The sailors developed a rudimentary pidgin to trade with the islanders.