# chopped

/ˈtʃɑpt/ (US) · /tʃˈɒpt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chopped
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cut with a tool

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. cut into small pieces

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. high on drugs

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang

feeling very affected by drugs.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. unattractive

adjective · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

a rude way to say that someone is ugly.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. fired or removed

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal · British English

losing your job or being removed from a sports team.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He looked absolutely chopped after working a double shift.
- I decided not to go to the party because I felt way too chopped to be seen in public.
- The morning light was unforgiving to the club-goers, making even the most stylish among them look remarkably chopped as they waited for the early train home.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.