[1] The main objection to this connection with Portuguese deus/deos is that it does not address the linguistic routes that would have allegedly led to the appearance of "joss", with its Chinese religious connotation.
Known under various epithets and names, this paternal god, who confers luck and wealth to his loyal worshippers, occupies a central position in the folk beliefs of many (overseas) Chinese communities.
This was already noticed by Samuel Hull Wilcocke who translated the travelogues of the Dutch captain and explorer John Splinter Stavorinus.
Although the word directly translates to "god", the term "joss" is used to describe a physical statue that is believed to be the dwelling place of a specific deity.
Depending upon the tradition, josses will be found in family homes, be communally shared, and appear in temples across China and Taiwan.