chops: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal (for 'skill' meaning); Standard (for anatomical meaning in phrases).
Quick answer
What does “chops” mean?
The fleshy part of the face around the mouth and jaw.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fleshy part of the face around the mouth and jaw; also informal skill or ability in a particular area.
1. Literal: jaw, cheeks, mouth of a person or animal (esp. in expressions like 'lick one's chops'). 2. Metaphorical: technical skill, especially in playing jazz or a musical instrument.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are used in both varieties. The 'skill' sense may be slightly more entrenched in American English due to its jazz origins.
Connotations
Anatomical: neutral or slightly crude/informal. Skill: positive, implying impressive, practised ability.
Frequency
The 'skill' meaning is more frequent in specific contexts (music, sports, tech). The anatomical meaning is mostly found in set phrases.
Grammar
How to Use “chops” in a Sentence
have + chops + for + NP (He has the chops for the solo)lick + POSSESSIVE + chopsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chops” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The boxer took a punch right on the chops.
- She's been practising her piano chops for years.
American English
- He was licking his chops at the thought of the steak.
- You need serious chops to play in that band.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'He doesn't have the managerial chops for this project.'
Academic
Very rare. Almost never used.
Everyday
Anatomical sense in idioms. Skill sense in informal conversation about abilities.
Technical
Used in music/arts communities to refer to technical skill on an instrument.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chops”
- Using 'chop' singular for the skill meaning (incorrect: 'He has great chop').
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in both main meanings, it is almost exclusively used in the plural form.
No, this is incorrect. The correct form for the skill meaning is always 'chops' (e.g., 'he has the chops', 'he has impressive chops').
It is informal and can be mildly aggressive or jocular depending on context and tone. It means to nag, criticize, or hassle someone.
It comes from 20th-century jazz slang, where a musician's 'chops' referred to the embouchure (mouth/lip strength and technique) needed to play a brass or woodwind instrument, which then extended to general musical and technical ability.
The fleshy part of the face around the mouth and jaw.
Chops is usually informal (for 'skill' meaning); standard (for anatomical meaning in phrases). in register.
Chops: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɒps/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɑːps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lick one's chops (anticipate with pleasure)”
- “bust someone's chops (nag or criticize)”
- “have the chops (be skilled enough)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a butcher's shop selling pork chops (cuts of meat). Now imagine a musician with meaty cheeks puffing them out to play saxophone – he's got the chops! Connects the facial and skill meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKILL IS A PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTE (like a strong jaw).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'chops' used to mean 'skill'?