where does the expression "chop chop" come from?

Question

The expression is used to mean hurry up. For example, 'Have you finished your dinner yet? Chop Chop'.

It was often used by my parents and grandparents and sadly I have stated using it.

Answer 1

The origin of the term is the same as chopstick (both the utensil and the piano piece)

In Chinese (Cantonese specifically), the word "kap" (which means "urgent") was brought over by sailors as early as 1699 to the west and eventually became "chop" and saying it twice eventually became the common practice...

Answer 2

Chop Chop Meaning

Answer 3

"Chop chop" is a phrase rooted in Cantonese. It spread through Chinese workers at sea. It was adopted by English seamen.[1] "Chop chop" refers to "hurry, hurry" and means something should be done now, advance and without any delay. The word "chopsticks" likely originates from this root.[2]

This term may have its origins in the South China Sea, as a Pidgin English version of the Chinese term k'wâi-k'wâi (Chinese: 快快; pinyin: kuài kuài).[1] Or it may come from Malay. See the detailed discussion at Language Log

Answer 4

"CHOP" is a clumsy attempt at the Cantonese for urgent (most Chinese sounds can not be pronounced properly by Westerners). And in China we repeat a word to give it emphasis . We would say QUICK QUICK instead of quicker or quickly.

Answer 5

I Guess from the expression given Chop, Chop means, “eat up, come on hurry up finish you meal”

Where I come from Chop, Chop means “One who likes food”

It can also mean to eat.

Alright everybody chop

Answer 6

Some time ago, people didn't have micro waves. They had to chop wood and make a fire before they cooked and ate. So what do you think they said to hurry the axe-man up up?

Answer 7

I think it means quickly as in quick as a chop?

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

I think it is derived from the use of chop sticks.

Answer 10

Sweeney Todd?