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Victo Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

'chops'

On 'American Idol', many of the judges refer to a singer's 'chops'. What does this exactly mean? Are they referring to the singer's voice?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

victo Are they referring to the singer's voice? Good question. Yes, though before American Idol , it did not refer to the singing voice, I think: a.

— Mister Micawber

  • victo Are they referring to the singer's voice?
  • Good question.
  • Yes, though before American Idol , it did not refer to the singing voice, I think: a.
  • Slang.
  • the embouchure or technique necessary to play a wind instrument.
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3 Answers
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victoAre they referring to the singer's voice?
Good question. Yes, though before American Idol, it did not refer to the singing voice, I think:

a. Slang. the embouchure or technique necessary to play a wind instrument.

c. Slang. musical ability on any instrument, especially in playing jazz or rock; technical virtuosity.
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Hi

A chop is when the guitarist makes a short downward stroke across the strings - for example, in Reggae. It has a striking effect and can give the whole song - or part of the song - its character

I can't answer for "Idol" TV shows. I would guess that they mean the singer has one or two striking moments in their song

Dave
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Hi,

I hear it often in non-musical, non-singing contexts.
It seems to refer to one's skill and also to the flamboyance of one's personality.

eg Tiger Woods recently showed his chops as the world's greatest golfer.

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