chopstick
/ˈtʃɒpstɪk
/noun (usually chopsticks)
Each of a pair of small, thin, tapered sticks of wood, ivory, or plastic, held together in one hand and used as eating utensils especially by the Chinese and the Japanese.There are metal forks and spoons, melamine Chinese spoons and plastic chopsticks....
- Japanese chopsticks are too thin and Chinese chopsticks are hardly shaped at all.
- Also, never tap the bowls on the table with chopsticks as many Chinese believe only beggars do this.
Origin
Late 17th century: pidgin English, from chop 'quick' + stick1, translating Chinese dialect kuàizi, literally 'nimble ones'. Compare with chop-chop.