channel-hop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Common in specific contexts)Informal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “channel-hop” mean?
To repeatedly change from one television channel to another using a remote control, typically to see what is on, avoid advertisements, or watch multiple programs at once.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To repeatedly change from one television channel to another using a remote control, typically to see what is on, avoid advertisements, or watch multiple programs at once.
More broadly, it can refer to quickly switching between different media streams, digital platforms, or conversational topics, signifying a restless or fragmented attention span.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is understood in both varieties. 'Channel surf' (or 'surf') is significantly more common in AmE. BrE may use 'channel-hop' more frequently, but the phrase remains less common than alternatives in both dialects.
Connotations
Both carry the same neutral-to-slightly-negative connotation of distracted viewing.
Frequency
Very low frequency in formal corpora. Higher likelihood of being used in BrE than AmE, where 'channel surf' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “channel-hop” in a Sentence
SUBJECT channel-hop (through OBJECT)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “channel-hop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would just channel-hop all evening, never settling on a programme.
- I channel-hopped until I found the football.
American English
- She channel-hopped during every commercial break.
- Instead of picking a movie, we just channel-hopped.
adjective
British English
- His channel-hopping habits drove his wife mad.
- The channel-hopping viewer is a broadcaster's nightmare.
American English
- Channel-hopping behavior is common during prime time.
- The study focused on channel-hopping trends.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be metaphorically used in marketing: 'Viewers channel-hop during ad breaks, so we need more engaging spots.'
Academic
Very rare, except in media studies discussing viewing habits.
Everyday
Primary context. Used in informal conversation about TV habits.
Technical
Used in media industry reports and TV audience analytics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “channel-hop”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “channel-hop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “channel-hop”
- Using it as a noun (*'He is a channel-hop.') instead of 'He is a channel-hopper.'
- Confusing with 'hop channels' (less common variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically hyphenated, especially when used as a compound verb or adjective (to channel-hop, channel-hopping habits).
It is possible by analogy, but it is overwhelmingly associated with television. 'Station-hop' might be used for radio.
A 'channel-hopper'.
Its use may be declining with the rise of on-demand streaming (Netflix, etc.), where the concept of linear 'channels' is less central. However, it remains relevant for live TV and satellite/cable viewing.
To repeatedly change from one television channel to another using a remote control, typically to see what is on, avoid advertisements, or watch multiple programs at once.
Channel-hop is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Channel-hop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæn.əl ˌhɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæn.əl ˌhɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A hopeless channel-hopper”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a rabbit (hop) jumping from one garden channel to the next, never staying long. The TV channel-hopper does the same with channels.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIEWING IS TRAVELLING/JUMPING (between locations/channels).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common American English synonym for 'channel-hop'?