chopsticks
UK[ˈtʃɒpstɪks]US[ˈtʃɑːpstɪks]
n
a pair of thin sticks made of wood, plastic, or metal, used for eating food, especially in East Asia.
Etymology
the term originates from chinese pidgin english of the 17th-18th centuries. the english word "chop" was used in the pidgin context to mean "quick" or "fast," as seen in phrases like "chop-chop." this was combined with "sticks" to form "chopsticks," a literal translation of the chinese term "kuàizi," where "kuài" means quick or nimble. the name humorously references the speed and dexterity with which the utensils are used. thus, the word is a calque, or loan translation, that entered standard english from trade jargon.
Analysis
the word is a compound formed from the english word 'chop', meaning quick or brisk, and the english word 'sticks'. it is a loanword adaptation from pidgin english.
Examples
she expertly picked up a single grain of rice with her chopsticks.
wooden chopsticks are more environmentally friendly than disposable plastic ones.
it took him some practice to get used to eating with chopsticks.