Pronunciation: [hˈɒpə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Hoppo" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is pronounced as /ˈhɒpəʊ/, with a stress on the first syllable. The "h" at the beginning is pronounced as an aspirated sound, similar to the "h" in "hat". The "o" at the end is pronounced with a long "o" sound, as in "go". Overall, the spelling of "Hoppo" accurately reflects its pronunciation in English.
Hoppo is a slang term that originates from British and Australian colloquialisms. It is primarily classified as an informal noun, often used in the context of prison or law enforcement settings.
In these contexts, "Hoppo" refers to a high-ranking prison officer or a prison governor. It is derived from the traditional British term "governor," which historically referred to the individual in charge of a prison facility. Over time, "Hoppo" has emerged as a nickname or a euphemism used by prisoners and law enforcement personnel to refer to someone in a position of authority within the prison system.
The term can also be extended to other authoritative figures outside the prison system, such as senior police officers or managers in security settings. However, it is worth noting that the usage and popularity of "Hoppo" can vary regionally and has largely become niche vocabulary among certain social groups.
In summary, "Hoppo" is a slang term used to colloquially refer to a high-ranking prison officer or a figure of authority. Its origins can be traced back to the traditional British term "governor," but it has since evolved into a more localized and specific term within certain communities.
The word "Hoppo" is believed to have originated from the Cantonese term "hopo" (和保), which means "heavenly protector" or "first-class security officer". This term was used in the context of the Chinese imperial customs service, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries.
During this period, the port of Canton (now Guangzhou) was the primary trading post with foreign merchants in China. The imperial customs service had a specific officer in charge of supervising and regulating foreign trade, taxes, and customs in Canton. This high-ranking official, known as the Hoppo, had significant authority and power over matters related to trade.
Due to the prevalent trade conducted with British merchants in Canton during this period, the term "Hoppo" was adopted by the English-speaking traders to refer to this influential Chinese customs official.
