chops

Noun

• the irregular motion of waves (usually caused by wind blowing in a direction opposite to the tide)
• a small cut of meat including part of a rib
• a jaw
  • "I'll hit him on the chops"
• a tennis return made with a downward motion that puts backspin on the ball
• a grounder that bounces high in the air
• plural of chop
• Jaws, lips, mouth.
• One's skill at musical interpretation and delivery; musical performance ability.
• One's skill at any endeavor; ability, talent; competency.
• The area where two tides meet and cause an irregular (choppy) sea.
• A pattern that involves carrying the object with the hand over the next object before throwing it.
• Food.

Verb

• cut into pieces
• move suddenly
• form or shape by chopping
• strike sharply, as in some sports
• cut with a hacking tool
• hit sharply
• third-person singular simple present indicative of chop
• Alternative form of chopse.

Examples

• Although he did not know all of the ins and outs of the newsroom, he had the writing chops to become a regular contributor.
• Although the bass player had no experience playing in New Orleans, the crowd's enthusiastic response showed that he had the chops to make it in the very particular Crescent City jazz scene.
• He chops wood all day.

Synonyms

chop, chop shot, chop up, chopper, hack