What does chops mean in music?

The word “chops” is used to describe a musician’s level of technique in terms of the ability to execute music physically on a particular musical instrument (and to negotiate chord changes). An example would be the lightning-fast technique of a guitar player.

Why are skills called chops?

How did “chops” come to mean skill? By the end of the 16th century, the OED says, the plural “chops” was being used to mean the jaws or mouth “in contemptuous or humorous application to men.”

What does it mean when someone says chops?

If you want to achieve fame and glory by being amazing at something, you have to have great skill—or chops. Chops is slang for the jaws or mouth.

Where does got the chops come from?

Its usage extends back to the early 16th century. Its etymology is from “chap,” which is a jawbone, and an ever older word. So, the phrase is literal: “Don’t bust my chops,” means “don’t hit me in the jaw.” However, its usage is typically metaphorical, as: “don’t give me such a hard time.”

What does have good chops mean?

If you want to be great at something, you’ve got to have the chops. No, we’re not talking about the length of your sideburns. If you want to achieve fame and glory by being amazing at something, you have to have great skill—or chops. Italian. Italian-English.

What does licking your chops mean?

Also, lick one’s lips. Anticipate with great pleasure. For example, The kids were licking their chops as Mother described the family vacation plans, or I couldn’t help but lick my lips when she talked about the menu. Both expressions allude to anticipating a tasty morsel of food.

What does bust his chops mean?

Definition of bust someone’s chops : to criticize someone in a playful way : tease My brother likes to bust my chops.

What does chops on top mean?

“Chopping the top” goes back to the early days of hot rodding and is an attempt to reduce the frontal profile of a car and increase its speed potential. To chop a roof, the pillars and windows are cut down, lowering the overall roofline. This sort of bodywork is also popular on custom cars, kustoms, and leadsleds.

What does it mean if a dog licks its lips?

Dogs who are licking their lips are usually sending the message that they are worried. Dogs lick their lips to appease and soothe a person or animal they see as a threat in order to ward off aggression. Sometimes dogs exhibit appeasement gestures like lip licking and yawning when they are frustrated or confused.

What is the meaning of licking lips?

Definition of lick one’s lips 1 : to pass one’s tongue over the lips She licked her lips while she waited for the food to be served. 2 : to feel or show excitement because something good is expected to happen The players knew they would win and were licking their lips as they waited for the game to start.

What is the meaning of chops in music?

on Jul 19, 2005, 12:00 AM. The word “chops” is used to describe a musician’s level of technique in terms of the ability to execute music physically on a particular musical instrument (and to negotiate chord changes). An example would be the lightning-fast technique of a guitar player.

What does it mean to have chop skills?

“Chops” in this sense refers to a general ability to play music in a professional manner without making mistakes, forgetting music, arriving late or causing problems with a performance group. Steven Miller graduated with a master’s degree in 2010. He writes for several companies including Lowe’s and IBM.

What does it mean when someone says Miles has the chops?

(“Miles has got the chops…”) “Chops” in this case harkens back to its original 16th-century slang meaning of “mouth” or “lips.” The term chops is not used to describe the capacity to have good musical ideas, to phrase effectively, or to build a solo.

Why is Music described as “rich and creamy?

“Rich and creamy” are wonderfully expressive and immediately fill the mind with a particular notion. Not only food- and taste-related language, but other words related to the five senses serve us well when describing a piece of music or musician’s performance.