come to papa

The story

PIE word *ph₂tḗr From come + to + papa (“familiar or old-fashioned term of address to one’s father”), originally an invitation by a father for his child to come to him; later called out by gamblers when throwing dice to “invite” winning numbers.

First known use, by meaning

• from 20th c. Used to encourage someone or something to approach, or an event to occur.