Chunk vs. Chink — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Chunk refers to a thick, solid piece of something, while chink denotes a narrow opening or crack, typically in a surface.
Difference Between Chunk and Chink
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A chunk typically describes a substantial part of something solid, such as a chunk of cheese or a chunk of concrete, implying it is a sizable, often irregular piece. On the other hand, a chink is a small and narrow opening or crack that might appear in otherwise solid materials, such as walls or armor.
In usage, the word "chunk" often conveys a sense of bulk or mass, suggesting a piece that has been broken off or cut from a larger whole. Whereas, "chink" suggests a vulnerability or weak point, particularly a small fissure through which light or air can pass.
While chunks can be intentionally created or naturally occurring as parts of a larger entity, chinks are usually the result of wear, damage, or inherent flaws in a structure or surface.
The metaphorical use of "chunk" can refer to large portions or segments of non-physical entities, such as a chunk of time. In contrast, "chink" metaphorically can denote a minor weakness or gap in one's armor, often used in expressions like "a chink in the armor.
"Contextually, "chunk" is more versatile in everyday language, applicable in various fields from cooking to finance, emphasizing the element of size. Chink, however, is more specific in its application, focusing on the concept of a small breach or gap.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A substantial piece of something.
A narrow opening or crack.
Connotation
Bulkiness, largeness.
Smallness, narrowness.
Usage in context
Often physical, tangible.
Usually refers to openings or flaws.
Metaphorical usage
Segments of time or abstract quantities.
Minor weaknesses or vulnerabilities.
Common associations
Food, materials.
Walls, armor.
Compare with Definitions
Chunk
A large piece or part of something.
He ate a chunk of bread with his soup.
Chink
A weak spot that may be exploited.
There's a chink in his armor, and I know how to exploit it.
Chunk
In computing, a piece of data processed as a unit.
Data is sent in chunks to optimize speed.
Chink
A narrow opening or crack, especially one that admits light.
A chink in the curtains let the sunlight in.
Chunk
A significant amount or part of something.
She completed a large chunk of her thesis.
Chink
A small, sharp sound.
Coins made a chink as they were tossed into the metal drawer.
Chunk
Group or portion of a larger whole.
A chunk of voters remain undecided.
Chink
A slight sound made by a small bell or a similar resonant object.
The chink of glasses was heard from the kitchen.
Chunk
Informally, a substantial amount of money.
He invested a chunk of his savings in the stock.
Chink
Slang, now considered offensive for a Chinese person.
Avoid using the word chink in derogatory contexts.
Chunk
A thick mass or piece
A chunk of ice.
Chink
Chink is an English-language ethnic slur usually referring to a person of Chinese descent. The word is also sometimes indiscriminately used against people of East Asian appearance in general.
Chunk
(Informal) A substantial amount
Won quite a chunk of money.
Chink
A narrow opening, such as a crack or fissure.
Chunk
A strong stocky horse.
Chink
A slight, metallic sound, as of coins rattling in a pocket.
Chunk
To form into chunks.
Chink
Used as a disparaging term for a person of Chinese birth or descent.
Chunk
To make a dull clacking sound
Listened to the rundown copier chunk along.
Chink
To make narrow openings in.
Chunk
A part of something that has been separated.
The statue broke into chunks.
Chink
To fill narrow openings in.
Chunk
A representative portion of a substance, often large and irregular.
A chunk of granite
Chink
To make or cause to make a slight, metallic sound.
Chunk
A sequence of two or more words that occur in language with high frequency but are not idiomatic; a bundle or cluster.
Examples of chunks would include "in accordance with", "the results of", and "so far"
Chink
A narrow opening such as a fissure or crack.
Chunk
(computing) A discrete segment of a file, stream, etc. (especially one that represents audiovisual media); a block.
Chink
A narrow beam or patch of light admitted by such an opening.
I noticed a chink of light under the door.
Chunk
(comedy) A segment of a comedian's performance.
Chink
A chip or dent in something metallic.
The warrior saw a chink in her enemy's armor, and aimed her spear accordingly.
Chunk
(transitive) To break into large pieces or chunks.
Chink
(figuratively) A vulnerability or flaw in a protection system or in any otherwise formidable system.
The chink in the theory is that the invaders have superior muskets.
Chunk
(transitive) To break down (language, etc.) into conceptual pieces of manageable size.
Chink
(countable) A slight sound as of metal objects touching each other; a clink.
Chunk
To throw.
Chink
Ready money, especially in the form of coins.
Chunk
Deal a substantial amount of damage to an opponent.
He's chunked right before the next battle so he has to regen HP.
Chink
(transitive) To fill an opening such as the space between logs in a log house with chinking; to caulk.
To chink a wall
Chunk
A short, thick piece of anything.
Chink
(intransitive) To crack; to open.
Chunk
A compact mass;
A ball of mud caught him on the shoulder
Chink
(transitive) To cause to open in cracks or fissures.
Chunk
Put together indiscriminately;
Lump together all the applicants
Chink
(intransitive) To make a slight sound like that of metal objects touching.
The coins were chinking in his pocket.
Chunk
Group or chunk together in a certain order or place side by side
Chink
(transitive) To cause to make a sharp metallic sound, as coins, small pieces of metal, etc., by bringing them into collision with each other.
Chink
A small cleft, rent, or fissure, of greater length than breadth; a gap or crack; as, the chinks of a wall.
Through one cloudless chink, in a black, stormy sky.Shines out the dewy morning star.
Chink
A chinaman; a chinese person; - disparaging and offensive.
Chink
A short, sharp sound, as of metal struck with a slight degree of violence.
Chink
Money; cash.
Chink
To crack; to open.
Chink
To cause to open in cracks or fissures.
Chink
To fill up the chinks of; as, to chink a wall.
Chink
To cause to make a sharp metallic sound, as coins, small pieces of metal, etc., by bringing them into collision with each other.
Chink
To make a slight, sharp, metallic sound, as by the collision of little pieces of money, or other small sonorous bodies.
Chink
Offensive terms for a person of Chinese descent
Chink
A narrow opening as e.g. between planks in a wall
Chink
A short light metallic sound
Chink
Make or emit a high sound;
Tinkling bells
Chink
Fill the chinks of, as with caulking
Chink
Make cracks or chinks in;
The heat checked the paint
Common Curiosities
What are some synonyms for "chunk"?
Synonyms include block, lump, hunk, piece, and section.
What types of materials can be described as chunks?
Materials like cheese, concrete, wood, and metal can be referred to as chunks when broken into large pieces.
Is "chunk" used in both physical and abstract contexts?
Yes, "chunk" can describe physical objects as well as abstract concepts like time or information.
Can "chink" refer to sounds? If so, in what context?
Yes, "chink" can describe a high-pitched, sharp sound made by small, hard objects coming into light contact, such as glass or metal.
In what literary contexts might "chink" be used?
It is often used in poetry or descriptive prose to emphasize the visual or auditory effects of light or sound passing through narrow openings.
What does "chunk" typically refer to in everyday language?
It refers to a large, solid piece of something.
What does "chink" imply when used metaphorically?
It implies a minor weakness or flaw, particularly in a defense or argument.
How does the meaning of "chunk" differ in a computing context?
In computing, a chunk refers to a segment of data stored or processed as a single unit, often for efficiency.
What are some synonyms for "chink"?
Synonyms include fissure, crack, crevice, gap, and slit.
How does the metaphorical use of "chink" enhance literary language?
It helps in highlighting vulnerabilities or small but significant details that could have larger implications.
Can "chunk" be used in digital contexts?
Yes, it describes a segment of data processed as a unit in computing.
Is "chink" an appropriate term to use in all contexts?
No, it can be offensive when used as slang for a Chinese person; usage should be sensitive to context.
How are "chunk" and "chink" typically used differently in language?
"Chunk" often denotes a physical or metaphorical piece of something large, while "chink" refers to small openings or flaws.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
