Definition of the word nip off

The origin of the phrase "nip off" can be traced back to the mid-1800s in England, where it was commonly used in gardening to describe the action of quickly cutting or removing a plant's stem or bud before it fully develops. The word "nip" in this context comes from the Old Norse word "nypa," which means to prune or cut off something small. The verb "nip" also had other meanings back then, such as pinching, biting, or squeezing, which explains why "nip off" could also be used to describe actions outside of gardening, such as cutting off a small piece of food or drink, or removing someone from a situation suddenly. The term gained popularity in English through its use in gardening and horticultural contexts, eventually spreading to other areas of speech, and today, it is commonly used in everyday language to describe quick and sudden actions, particularly those involving removing or cutting off something. In a nutshell, the phrase "nip off" originated as a gardening term, but its adaptability and usefulness outside of horticulture led to its incorporation into the English lexicon as an informal expression for quick and efficient removal or cutting off.