A lot of Star Trek technology became real.
Star Trek first aired in 1966 and is set in a very distant future. It was clear that there would be futuristic machines, especially gadgets related to space travel. One of them was the replicator, which prepared meals in seconds. Thanks to 3D printers that can materialize objects in a short time, making meals that way will soon be a reality.
Of course, this hand gesture means "read between the lines"...
He came up with it for the character. He's the reason it's in the show. That's all that anyone needs to know. Pointy ears weren't a new thing, either.