English Reference

Word

chopped

US/ˈtʃɑpt/

UK/tʃˈɒpt/

Definitions

01cut with a tool

B1 · Intermediate

v. cut something into pieces using a sharp tool like a knife or an axe.

v. the past tense and past participle of 'chop', indicating the action of cutting with a quick, heavy blow.

“He chopped the wood into small logs for the fireplace.”

“The chef chopped the herbs with rhythmic precision, ensuring they were fine enough to release their oils into the sauce.”

Synonyms

02cut into small pieces

B1 · Intermediate Cooking

adj. describes food that has been cut into small, irregular pieces.

adj. referring to food items that have been reduced to small pieces by a knife or food processor.

“Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook them until they are soft.”

“The recipe calls for finely chopped walnuts to be folded into the batter just before baking.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03high on drugs

C1 · Advanced Slang

adj. feeling very affected by drugs.

adj. describing a state of significant drug intoxication.

“He looked completely chopped after the party and couldn't even stand up.”

“The group appeared visibly chopped, their glassy eyes and slow responses making it clear they were under the influence of something potent.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

04unattractive

C2 · Proficiency Slang · Vulgar

adj. a rude way to say that someone is ugly.

adj. a derogatory descriptor for a person's physical appearance.

“I can't believe he said she was chopped just because she wasn't wearing makeup.”

“The comment section was filled with teenagers calling the performer chopped, a harsh reminder of how toxic social media beauty standards can be.”

Teaching tip

This is a highly offensive and modern slang term; learners should avoid using it as it is intended to insult someone's appearance.

Synonyms

05fired or removed

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · British English

adj. losing your job or being removed from a sports team.

adj. having been dismissed from employment or excluded from a competitive roster.

“Half the department got chopped during the company's restructuring last month.”

“After three consecutive losses, the head coach was chopped by the board of directors in a desperate attempt to save the season.”

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“The 15th stage was originally planned to be a 189.7km route, but it has been chopped down to 110.2km, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 39C in Cordoba.”
The Local 6 Sept 2026
“The chopped up nature of the story (you hear what is coming, travelling back and forth in time sequences) has the same effect.”
The Guardian 20 Sept 2026

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference