In the business world of Malaysia, you will find people asking for a
“chop”. Foreign business people would be totally bewildered hearing this,
and would wonder what on earth these people are talking about.
They are referring to a stamp. The reason that “chop” is used to mean ‘stamp’ in Malaysia is that it is a corrupted version of the Hindi word छाप (chhaap), which means ‘seal’ or ‘stamp’.
The word ‘chop’ in English has the following meanings (from Wiktionary):
to chop (verb): To cut into pieces with short, To sever with an axe or similar implement.
chop (noun): A cut of meat, A blow with an axe.
So next time you need to ask someone to stamp something, DO NOT ask
them for a “chop” as that would mean that you’re asking them for a blow
with an axe! Ask for a “stamp” – use the proper English word.
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