The word CIAO is a worldwide known Italian greeting used both as “Hello” and “Bye”.
Its etymology must be sought in the Venetian word “Sciáo” (= slave), for in the Republic of Venice it was common to greet others using the phrase “Sciáo vostro!” (= I’m your servant!), to indicate good will among friends.
“Ciao” is also the name of a popular Italian motorbike, produced by Piaggio from 1967 through 1991.