1
Stage 1 of 3
kap kap
Cantonese · ancient
"quickly, quickly"
a reduplicated word meaning 'hurry, hurry'
2
Stage 2 of 3
chop-chop
Chinese Pidgin English · 1830s
"quickly; hurry up"
adapted into the pidgin trade language used in Canton's foreign trading ports
3
Stage 3 of 3
chop chop
English · 1900s
"quickly; without delay"
spread into general English slang through sailors and traders
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