Chopper

Chopper is a colloquial term with several distinct meanings. It most commonly refers to a helicopter in informal speech. It can also denote a class of customized motorcycles and a handheld kitchen implement used for chopping.

In aviation, a chopper is a rotorcraft with one or more large horizontal rotors. It is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, hover, and flexible maneuvering, which makes it useful for emergency medical services, search and rescue, military operations, and urban transport. The term is widespread in civilian and military slang, particularly in North America and parts of Europe.

Choppers as motorcycles describe a style of custom bike that emerged in the United States after World War II. Characteristics often include an elongated front fork, a shortened or “chopped” frame, a low seat, and minimal bodywork. Builders emphasize a stripped-down, high-performance aesthetic. Chopper culture is linked to early hot-rodding and biker communities, and the style has influenced broader motorcycle design and media depictions of riders.

A chopper in the kitchen is a handheld or electric device used to chop foods. Manual choppers use blades and a crank or pull mechanism to dice or mince ingredients such as onions, herbs, and nuts. Electric models may resemble small food processors or bowl choppers, offering faster or more uniform results for home cooking and food preparation.

In popular culture, “Chopper” appears as a nickname or character name, including Tony Tony Chopper from the manga and anime One Piece. The term’s usage varies by context, but all senses share the core idea of chopping or rotor-based mobility.