So, what exactly are "acting chops"?

[Dreddful]

We've been hearing it used for years, though it seems to be almost daily now we hear an actor has the "acting chops" to pull off a role. What exactly are these chops? Just curious....

 

[mistymills]

A mix of talent, screen presence, looks and experience.

Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk

 

[Dreddful]

Why is it referred as chops?

 

[gunnerk19]

 

[robn1]

Why is it referred as chops?

I don't know the origin but it's an old phrase. And it doesn't apply just to acting, carpenters, mechanics and pilots can have chops too. It just means you're good at it.

 

[firesprite]

Cassell’s Dictionary of Slang


CHOPS noun: 1) [18th century and still in use] The jaws, the mouth, the lips. 2) [1940s and still in use] (originally U.S. Black) Ability, skill, competence. [from jazz musicians figurative reference to the use of one’s mouth and lips in playing a wind instrument]


Based on this, it probably just got picked up and morphed to refer to talent in general.

 

[dbuck]

What happens if you use your chops and you break a leg?

[ducks]

 

[Stansfield]

Definition of Acting Chops: See Gary Oldman

 

[robn1]

What happens if you use your chops and you break a leg?

[ducks]

You knock 'em dead!

 

[Moviefreak]

What happens if you use your chops and you break a leg?

[ducks]

Then you realize you are in a Stephen King movie

 

[glunark]

In the novel she cuts them off completely, with an axe.

 

[gunnerk19]

Would that then make them Axing chops?

 

[Laspector]

Maybe they are called chops because they are a cut above the rest.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

Maybe this?

 

[robn1]

That's cutting humor.

 

[dbuck]

 

[Monkey67]

This is it

 

[Bryancd]

This is it

Did you know she wrote the screenplay for the 3rd season TOS episode "Lights of Zetar"?

 

[Monkey67]

I didn't know that.

Also someone already had that joke / picture. Didn't show up for me the 1st time. My bad

 

[Dreddful]

Gotta say....I love where this thread went! :lol