Why do people say "pop the question"?

Question

Why can't they say "ask the question". Like when you are about to propose, people say "When are you going to pop the question?" Why can't they say "When are you going to ask the question". Why does the word pop have to be associated with a marriage proposal? Does that mean I can say "Hey can I pop you a question?, Do you like New York or California better?" This really bugs me.

Answer 1

You just a popped a question by asking this question about popping questions.

Answer 2

because it's a big deal, its a surprise, it isn't like saying 'would you like some ice cream?'

its a very very big deal, so they use the word pop

maybe like popping a cork off a bottle of champayne

Answer 3

im gonna pop u

Answer 4

It bugs you why, exactly? It's just how people say it.