How would you interpret the word ‘Ciaou’ in the context? How would you interpret the word ‘Ciaou’ in the context? Is it some variation of the Italian word ‘ciao’? Thanks. It’s from A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. the context: "Ciaou!" he said. "What kind of time did you have?" "Magnificent." We shook hands and he put his arm around my neck and kissed me. "Oughf," I said. "You're dirty," he said. "You ought to wash. Where did you go and what did you do? Tell me everything at once."