Chimo
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The term Chimo was widely used at one point in the Inuktitut language, which is spoken by the Inuit in northern Canada.
According to folklore, when two people met on the Arctic tundra, they rubbed their chests in a circular motion and said, "Chimo" , meaning "Are you friendly?" The answer was a repeat of the gesture and the word "Chimo!" ("Yes, I am friendly!) ↑ . The word is also used as a toast before drinking↑ .
The Canadian Military Engineers use "Chimo" as a greeting and cheer word. As well, when they are dismessed from a parade they will yell out "Chimo".
In 1967, the Government of Canada attempted unsuccessfully to make "Chimo" the national greeting of Canada, akin to "Ciao" in Italy. This was the year of the Canadian Centennial, and the Canadian government was eager to establish a unique national culture. The phrase never caught on.
[edit] Other uses
One should take caution using this term overseas: the word "chimo" sounds similar to the Japanese word for "pubic hair".↑
Although it didn't catch on as Canada's official greeting, it has become the unofficial motto, greeting and "Hurrah" of the Canadian Military Engineering branch.
It is also used in replacement for "goodbye," "See you later," and/or "We will talk later," etc.
Chimo was the only 'white' killer whale displayed in captivity. She was partially albino due to Chediak-Higashi Syndrome, and lived at Sealand of the Pacific from 1970-1972.
