Use chopped before a noun when the pieces have already been cut, especially in cooking instructions.
Use chopped before a noun when the pieces have already been cut, especially in cooking instructions.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Add sliced onions when the recipe asks for chopped onions. | Add chopped onions when the recipe asks for small, irregular pieces. |
| The garlic was chopped into a paste. | The garlic was minced or crushed into a paste. |
| A chopped tomato is always cut into perfect cubes. | A chopped tomato is cut into pieces; perfect cubes are usually diced. |
Use chopped when describing a completed cutting action, especially one done with a knife, axe, or similar tool.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| He has chopped the bread into thin pieces. | He has sliced the bread into thin pieces. |
| The chef was chopped onions. | The chef chopped onions. |
| They chopped the glass carefully. | They cut the glass carefully. |
Use chopped only in very informal speech; when aimed at a person, it is usually insulting and can sound cruel.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The phone is chopped because its screen is cracked. | The phone is damaged; chopped would mean it seems bad or unimpressive. |
| She called him chopped in a formal review. | Use neutral words like unpolished or unsuccessful in formal writing. |
| The team was chopped because it won easily. | The team was chopped would mean it performed badly or looked unsuccessful. |
Use the literal senses for cutting and prepared food. Use the slang sense only in casual contexts, and be careful because calling a person chopped is usually an insult.
Do not use slang chopped in formal writing, and do not confuse chopped food with diced, minced, or sliced food when a recipe needs a specific cut.
From chop + -ed. The ordinary sense comes from the verb chop, 'to cut with blows'; the recent slang sense is an extended informal use and its exact origin is not securely documented.
What does chopped mean in cooking?
In cooking, chopped means cut into small pieces, often less uniform than diced pieces.
What does chopped mean in slang?
In slang, chopped can mean unattractive, bad, poor quality, disappointing, or unsuccessful.
Is chopped rude when used about a person?
Yes. Calling someone chopped is usually an insult about their appearance or social appeal.
Is chopped a verb or an adjective?
Chopped can be the past tense or past participle of the verb chop, and it can also be an adjective.
What is the difference between chopped and diced?
Chopped pieces may be rough or irregular, while diced pieces are usually small, neat cubes.