“Chop Chop” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever heard someone say ‘chop chop’ and wondered what they are talking about? If so, read on because we are going to look at the meaning of this term and how we can use it in conversation. We will also find out where the phrase first came from and a little about its history.

Chop Chop Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Chop chop” means “hurry up” or “move quickly,” used to urge someone to act with speed.
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What Does “Chop Chop” Mean?

“Chop chop” is a phrase that means “hurry up” or “move quickly.” It is used to urge someone to act faster or with more urgency. The phrase is informal and often used in a playful or commanding tone.

For example:

  • “Come on, chop chop! We’re running late!”

Origin of this Term

The term ‘chop chop’ comes from the Cantonese language and the term ‘kwai kwai’ which was originally used by sailors at sea. Although it was originally Chinese sailors that used the term, it spread to English ones who adopted the phrase. The term means to hurry up but the words kwai kwai directly translate to chop chop.

Usage of “Chop Chop”

Here are examples of how “chop chop” can be used:

  1. Encouraging someone to hurry:
    • “We need to leave in five minutes. Chop chop!”
  2. In a playful context:
    • “Chop chop, kids! It’s time to get ready for school.”
  3. In a work environment:
    • “We have a deadline to meet, so chop chop and finish the report!”
  4. During an urgent situation:
    • “The guests are arriving soon, so chop chop and set the table.”

Related Terms to “Chop Chop”

  • Hurry up – A direct way to ask someone to move faster.
  • Move it – A more informal way of telling someone to hurry.
  • Get a move on – Encouraging someone to start quickly.
  • Step on it – Telling someone to speed up, especially when driving.
  • Let’s go – A general phrase to encourage quick action or departure.
  • Snap to it – A firm way of telling someone to act fast.
  • Make it snappy – A casual way to tell someone to do something quickly.
  • Pick up the pace – Asking someone to increase their speed.
  • Shake a leg – An informal expression telling someone to hurry.
  • ASAP (As Soon As Possible) – A common acronym used to express urgency.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are plenty of other ways to express the meaning of the term ‘chop chop.’ Here are some other ways to you can say the phrase.

  • Get a move on
  • Get a wriggle on
  • Shake a leg
  • Look lively
  • Fast
  • Quickly
  • Hurry up
  • Come on

“Chop Chop” Examples

Example Sentences

You would often hear a parent using the term ‘chop chop’ towards their children, perhaps when trying to leave the house in the morning.

  • ‘Come on kids, we ‘re going to be late, chop chop.’

You might also hear it in the work place as a friendly encouragement to speed up the work pace. For example a boss might say something like

  • ‘Chop chop everyone, we need this job finished in the next hour so we can go for lunch.’

The term is one which is intended to be used in a light and non-offensive sense.

More useful examples:

  • Chop-chop! We haven’t got all day!
  • Come on, chop-chop, we’re late!
  • Chop-chop ! We’ll go to the zoo behind our school.
  • Chop-chop! We are going to be late!
  • Chop-chop ! We’ll miss the bus at this rate.

Conversation Examples

If you would like to see how the phrase ‘chop chop’ fits into conversation, here are some examples of how it might sound.

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: “I am almost finished, give me a few minutes.”
  • Person 2: “We don’t have any more time, come on, chop chop.”

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: “Are you going to be much longer?”
  • Person 2: “I’m being as quick as I can.”
  • Person 1: “Well, chop chop or we will be late.
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