Chop chop (phrase)

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"Chop chop" is often considered a derogatory phrase first noted in the interaction between Cantonese and English people in British concessions in Southern China. [1] [2] It spread through Chinese workers at sea and was adopted by British seamen. [3] "Chop chop" means "hurry" and suggests that something should be done now and without delay. According to the Oxford English Dictionary , the word "chopsticks" originates from this same root. [4]

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The term may have its origins in the South China Sea, as a Pidgin English version of the Cantonese term cuk1 cuk1 (Chinese :速速), meaning 'quick', which in turn is similar in usage to the Mandarin term kuài kuài (Chinese :快快) [3] or may have originated from Malay. [2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Chinese English". The Penny Magazine. London: Charles Knight & Co. 19 May 1838. p. 190.
  2. 1 2 Gandhi, Lakshmi (24 February 2014). "Quick! What Are The Origins Of 'Chop-Chop'?". National Public Radio.
  3. 1 2 "Chop-chop". Phrase Finder. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  4. ↑ "chop-stick, n.2". Oxford English Dictionary. 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
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