Cutting something into pieces with quick, forceful strokes, usually with an axe or knife. The action of hacking or cutting roughly.
From Middle English 'choppen,' possibly from Old Norse 'kleppa' meaning 'to hit.' The -ing form makes it a gerund or present participle, used as both a noun and verb form.
Chopping is such an onomatopoetic word—it actually sounds like the action it describes, which is why it shows up in children's books and why the word itself feels sharp and abrupt when you say it.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.