As an Italian, I find the origin of the word somewhat amusing.
However, the following excerpt:
<<Although the connotation even among Venetians was more akin to “I’m at your service,” or “holler if you need me,” that old phrase eventually morphed into the word still used in Italian for “slave” – schiavo (pronounced sk|YA|vo).
Because of this history, Italians – even those who aren’t Venetian and can’t speak or understand the Venetian dialect – seem to instinctively know that ciao isn’t an innocuous greeting to be thrown around to anyone you meet. They’ve been brought up thinking it’s incredibly informal – too informal – and not to be used in polite company. You’ll find this to be especially true with older generations.>>
is quite a stretch. I've never experienced anyone be offended by that 4 letter word for the reason mentioned above. Someone may just consider "ciao" (a very informal greeting) a bit rude if coming from someone who they doesn't know very well (in which case, "salve" is more appropriate, being a tiny bit more formal).
However, the following excerpt:
<<Although the connotation even among Venetians was more akin to “I’m at your service,” or “holler if you need me,” that old phrase eventually morphed into the word still used in Italian for “slave” – schiavo (pronounced sk|YA|vo).
Because of this history, Italians – even those who aren’t Venetian and can’t speak or understand the Venetian dialect – seem to instinctively know that ciao isn’t an innocuous greeting to be thrown around to anyone you meet. They’ve been brought up thinking it’s incredibly informal – too informal – and not to be used in polite company. You’ll find this to be especially true with older generations.>>
is quite a stretch. I've never experienced anyone be offended by that 4 letter word for the reason mentioned above. Someone may just consider "ciao" (a very informal greeting) a bit rude if coming from someone who they doesn't know very well (in which case, "salve" is more appropriate, being a tiny bit more formal).