Chinditn.

Etymology: Apparently representing a mishearing (see note) of Burmese khraṅseʹ (pronounced /ʧʰì̃ ðḛi/ or /ʧʰì̃ θḛi/) lion, also used to denote a lion-like mythological animal of great cultural significance in the region (appearing for example on coins and as a guardian figure in architecture, and also on the emblem of the Chindits). Compare earlier English chinthé, denoting the mythological animal (1890 or earlier, typically in art historical contexts), also < Burmese khraṅseʹ.In Burmese, the internal /θ/ or /ð/ is often realized in a way which can easily be perceived as /t/ or /d/ by speakers of English. Similarly, the quality of the tone on the final vowel can lead to it being perceived as followed by a glottal stop (and hence rationalized as final /t/ by speakers of British English). Suggested coinage. The military application in English is variously credited to Orde Charles Wingate, who formed the force, or to the Burmese officer Aung Thin, who is reported to have suggested the name to Wingate.