Where does the phrase busting my 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 it mean to say someone has chops?
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.
What does it mean to show your chops?
To prove one’s chops means to prove one’s skill. It’s often modified with an adjective “he proved his acting chops”.
What does busting his balls mean?
(slang, vulgar) to seriously irritate or nag someone.
Why do people bust chops?
It’s a form of teasing. If you are “busting someone’s chops” or “busting their balls” or “grinding their gears” you are just putting pressure on them in order to extract an outcome. “Busting chops” means “punching jaws” in the sense that chops are used to chop food.
What does bust 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 I’m busting your chops mean?
“Busting my chops” is a figurative way to say “stop hitting me in the face,” with “chops” meaning “jaw.” This “chop” traces to about 1513, the OED says, and also has some tenuous connection with another form of “chap,” meaning, the OED says without irony: “The jaws as unitedly forming the mouth; the biting and …
What does breaking your balls mean?
1. vulgar slang To exert oneself to the utmost degree; to put forth the maximum amount of effort or strain. “Balls” is slang for the testicles, so the phrase in every meaning is usually (but not solely) said of or by a man. I’ve been breaking my balls trying to get the new software ready by the release date.
What’s busting your chops mean?
Why are you lifting my balls meaning?
vulgar slang To exert oneself to the utmost degree; to put forth the maximum amount of effort or strain. “Balls” is slang for the testicles, so the phrase in every meaning is usually (but not solely) said of or by a man.
Why is a face called chops?
The other chop — for a person’s skills or talents — is a distinct word, originally meaning the jaws — as in licking one’s chops — but later extended to refer to the whole mouth area, especially the cheeks. This led to the British slang chubby chops for a child with a fat face.