chopstick
UK[ˈtʃɒpstɪk]US[ˈtʃɑːpstɪk]
n
one of a pair of thin sticks used as eating utensils, especially in east asian countries.
Morpheme Breakdown
chop
stick
chop
quick
stick
rod
Etymology
the word 'chopstick' is a pidgin english compound from the early 17th century, created by english traders in china. the first element, 'chop', derives from cantonese 'kap' (急), meaning 'quick' or 'nimble', reflecting the dexterous use of the utensils. the second element is the english word 'stick', describing the object's form. thus, the term literally translates to 'quick sticks', a descriptive name coined for a foreign implement based on its function and appearance.
Analysis
Structure: chop (quick) + stick (rod)
chop (pidgin english, from cantonese 'kap' meaning 'quick'); stick (old english 'sticca', meaning a slender piece of wood).
Examples
she expertly picked up a single grain of rice with her chopstick.
he struggled to hold the slippery noodles with the wooden chopstick.
a single, lacquered chopstick lay beside the bowl.