choppy
UK: ˈtʃɒpi | US: ˈtʃɑːpi
adj. (of water) covered with small, uneven waves; rough
adj. (of movement or speech) irregular or disjointed
choppy = chop<cut> + py<adjective suffix>
- chop (from Middle English choppen, meaning "to cut or strike abruptly")
- py (adjective-forming suffix, indicating a characteristic or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "choppy" originated in the 16th century, derived from the verb "chop," which described abrupt, cutting motions. Over time, it evolved to describe uneven, turbulent water (as if "cut" by waves) and later extended metaphorically to describe irregular speech or movement. The suffix "-y" reinforces the adjective form, emphasizing the quality of being fragmented or uneven.
The boat struggled in the choppy waters of the bay.
His speech was choppy, with frequent pauses and stutters.
The helicopter made a choppy descent due to strong winds.
The film’s editing felt choppy and hard to follow.
She typed in a choppy rhythm, stopping and starting frequently.