tong

Tong is a term with several distinct uses in English, most commonly referring to Chinese mutual-aid societies known as tongs, or to place names and personal names. The most widely discussed use describes tongs as Chinese-origin organizations formed by immigrant communities in the 19th century. They originated as benevolent societies that provided housing, employment assistance, funerary rites, and social support. Over time, some tongs developed into social clubs or political networks, and a subset became involved in organized crime, extortion, illegal gambling, and other illicit activities. Because of such activity, tongs have often figured in law enforcement actions and in popular depictions of Chinatown life, though many tongs remain legitimate community organizations focused on mutual aid and cultural preservation.

Tong also appears as a toponym and a surname. As a place name, Tong denotes several locales in different countries and languages, reflecting independent naming histories. As a surname, Tong is used in various cultures and may be found among notable figures in science, arts, and public life, though the name has multiple origins and spellings depending on language and region. The surname is sometimes linked to Chinese, Korean, or Southeast Asian naming traditions, among others, but its specific origin can vary.

In other contexts, tong is sometimes encountered as a historical or dialectal form related to the word tongue, or in phrases and spellings that preserve older writings. The term’s meanings are thus highly context-dependent, spanning social organizations, geography, and names.