Word origin

So where does "in the hopper" come from? I just used that, and have no idea what it means. Perhaps I should query Patricia O'Connor.

Or maybe my friend Rockstar knows.

Sergeant Honeynuts at your service

This is the greatest thing ever:
http://cheekysquirrel.net/squirrelname/index.php

You all can all me Sgt. Honeynuts from here on out. Or Lt. Bacones. Although Funbags has dibs on that one.