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Cheena

(Singapore, derogatory) A mainland Chinese person.

ˈt͡ʃiːnəDocumented since 1990s1990sMillennialhistorical327 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1990 · no dated citations yet
1990BornToday, 2026
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GlobalOffensive
#1·Apr 27, 2026Global

(Singapore, derogatory) A mainland Chinese person.

Origin: Alteration of China based on. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

"Cheena" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a mainland chinese person. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

For ESL learners

"Cheena" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning a mainland chinese person. It is part of Singapore / Malaysian English. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "a mainland chinese person" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "Cheena" thinking it is neutral; in fact it is rude and can offend, so avoid it in writing or in any professional setting. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.

Heard in the wild
  • “# Cheena Cheena | | | | --- | --- | | [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/120px-Question_book-new.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book-new.svg) | This article **needs additional citations for [verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability "Wikipedia:Verifiability")**.”

  • “02. [↑](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheena_di#cite_ref-2)Subasinghe, Gunadasa. ["Master Gunadasa Subasinghe: Cheena di Hrda Saakshiya"](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qc-X1fN6VY+long+format&feature=youtu.be). _Angampora Martial Art_ (Interview).”

  • “2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheena_Trophy#cite_ref-2 "Jump up")**["Dhyan Sreenivasan's Cheena Trophy is to be released on this date"](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/nov/23/dhyan-sreenivasans-cheena-trophy-is-to-be-released-on-this-date-49834.html). _[Cinema Express](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_Express "Cinema Express")_.”

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For specific readers

"Cheena" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a mainland chinese person. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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