When Did Ciao Come out?

The first usage of "ciao" in popular culture was seen in the Italian novel, titled "Eros," published in 1874 by Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga.

Why do non Italians say ciao?

Ciao: A Brief History

The word ciao (pronounced CHOW) is, today, thought of as very much Italian, but its origins are in the Venetian dialect. ... It means that if you want to offer a polite greeting to a shop owner, a waiter, or just someone you pass in the street, you'll need to have an alternative to ciao.

Is ciao rude?

With family and friends, ciao is the norm even as a morning or evening salutation, in lieu of buongiorno or buonasera. ... Now, it is used throughout the globe as a salutation a greeting, both in writing and speech. In Italy, however, it is still a very informal greeting.