chop chop

USAGE SUMMARY

"chop chop" is not a technically correct part of a sentence, as it is not a full sentence.
It is an informal phrase that is used to mean "hurry up!" and is usually said in an impatient or admonishing tone. Example Sentence: Come on, chop chop! We have to get this done before the deadline!.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Chop, chop, chop.

The New York Times

My brain is just chop, chop, chop, chop, chop.

The New York Times

Chop, chop.

The New York Times

Chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop clatter chop skitter crash bang — FUCK! Stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir skid bang skitter bang crash — SHIT! Hello.

The New Yorker

By Ian Frazier Chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop clatter chop skitter crash bang — FUCK! Stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir stir skid bang skitter bang crash — SHIT! Hello.

The New Yorker

But still, chop chop.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Get them back into formation, chop-chop.

The New Yorker

Mortgages had to be approved chop-chop, loans pooled instantly.

The New York Times

("There's old Chop-Chop," she says affectionately of one).

The New York Times - Travel

Beyond this, critics noted that Mr. Berry played a twangy "chop-chop-chop," using a staccato beat.

The New York Times

Her stroll on Wednesday was serene save for the buzzing of saws, the thumping of hammers and the nearly constant chop-chop-chop of helicopters overhead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chop chop" sparingly and primarily in informal settings or when aiming for a lighthearted tone. It can come across as impatient or even rude if used inappropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "chop chop" in professional emails or formal writing. Opt for more appropriate alternatives such as "please expedite" or "prompt action is needed" to maintain a respectful and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chop chop" functions as an imperative, urging quick action or haste. It is typically used to prompt someone to hurry, similar to saying "hurry up". As noted by Ludwig AI, this is not a technically correct part of a sentence, but rather an informal interjection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chop chop" is an informal phrase functioning as an imperative to hurry someone. Ludwig AI highlights that while it's not grammatically correct as a full sentence, it's widely used in casual contexts, particularly in news and media, to indicate urgency. While common, it's best reserved for informal situations to avoid appearing impolite in professional or academic settings. Alternatives like "hurry up" or "please expedite" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry up

A direct and common imperative urging someone to be faster.

get a move on

An informal way to tell someone to hurry.

shake a leg

An idiom meaning to hurry up.

step on it

Implies increasing speed or effort.

look alive

A more general prompt to be attentive and quick.

pronto

A Spanish loanword indicating immediacy.

double time

Refers to moving at twice the normal speed.

sharpish

British slang meaning quickly or promptly.

make haste

A more formal way of saying hurry.

expedite

Suggests accelerating a process or action.

FAQs

How can I use "chop chop" in a sentence?

"Chop chop" is often used as a standalone phrase to urge someone to hurry up. For example, "Chop chop! We're going to be late!"

What does "chop chop" mean?

The phrase "chop chop" is an informal expression meaning "hurry up" or "get a move on". It's often used in a playful, though sometimes impatient, manner.

What can I say instead of "chop chop"?

Alternatives include "hurry up", "get a move on", or "let's go", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "chop chop" in professional communication?

Generally, no. "Chop chop" is considered informal and could be seen as rude or unprofessional. Use more formal alternatives like "please proceed promptly" or "your immediate attention is required".