The word derives from the Venetian phrase "s-ciào vostro" or "s-ciào" (schiavo/sciavo) literally meaning "(I am) your slave"
This greeting is analogous to the medieval Latin servus which is still used colloquially in parts of Central/Eastern Europe or the antiquated English valediction "Your Obedient Servant." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciao
In Italy you say ciao both when you meet somebody, and when you leave, while in other countries (e.g. Brazil), you say "Ciao" only when you go away: if you use it when you meet somebody sounds sooooo weird :) :)
The word derives from the Venetian phrase "s-ciào vostro" or "s-ciào" (schiavo/sciavo) literally meaning "(I am) your slave"
This greeting is analogous to the medieval Latin servus which is still used colloquially in parts of Central/Eastern Europe or the antiquated English valediction "Your Obedient Servant." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciao
In Italy you say ciao both when you meet somebody, and when you leave, while in other countries (e.g. Brazil), you say "Ciao" only when you go away: if you use it when you meet somebody sounds sooooo weird :) :)