/ʧɒp/
Definition:
CHOP is a widely used Pidgin English word that primarily means “to eat.” However, depending on context, it can also imply consumption, enjoyment, or even exploitation (e.g., “chopping money” means misusing funds).
CHOP is one of the most versatile words in Pidgin English. While it directly translates to “eat,” its meaning can change depending on context. For example:
- “I dey CHOP beans” → “I’m eating beans.”
- “Dem dey CHOP our money” → “They are embezzling our money.”
This word is so deeply rooted in West African culture that it appears in music, movies, and everyday slang. From Nigeria to Ghana, everyone understands “CHOP”—whether you’re talking about food or corruption.
- Synonyms: Consume, feed, eat
- Antonyms: “Fast” (not eating), “Hunger” (lack of food), “Troway“ (throw away, opposite of consuming)
Hear how native speakers pronounce CHOP in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “Abeg, make I CHOP small before I go out.” (Please, let me eat a little before I go out.)
- Formal: “CHOP is a common term for eating in West African Pidgin.”
- Idiomatic: “Dem dey CHOP money for that office!” (They are embezzling money in that office!)
Cultural Context:
Origin: The word “CHOP” comes from West African Pidgin English, influenced by:
- Portuguese (“Chupar”) – meaning “to consume”
- English (“Chop”) – referring to cutting food, which evolved into “eating” in Pidgin
- Nigerian local languages – where similar-sounding words mean “to eat” (e.g., Yoruba “Jeun”, Igbo “Rie”)
It became popular during the colonial era when Pidgin served as a trade language, blending European and African linguistic elements.
Regional Usage:
- Nigeria: Used nationwide (“I go CHOP rice today!”)
- Ghana: Also common (“Make we go CHOP Waakye.”)
- Cameroon & Liberia: Used but with slight variations (“A di CHOP” in Cameroonian Pidgin)
- Caribbean Influence: Similar to “Nyam“ in Jamaican Patois
Wetin be your favorite food wey you love to CHOP? Or you don see person wey dey CHOP money before? Share your own CHOP sentences for the comments!