choppy

Choppy is an adjective used to describe something that is broken into short, irregular segments or movements, or something that lacks smooth continuity. It can refer to physical motion, sound, or style, and it often implies abruptness or roughness rather than fluidity.

In a maritime context, choppy seas describe water with short, irregular waves caused by wind, currents, or disturbances. The resulting motion is often uneven, with boats pitching and rolling in a way that can affect stability and navigation. Weather reports and nautical charts commonly use the term to warn mariners of potentially hazardous conditions.

In media and technology, choppy can describe a jerky or stuttering sensation in video or audio playback. Choppy video occurs when frame rates are inconsistent or frames are dropped, leading to a stop-start viewing experience. Choppy audio refers to irregular sampling, buffering, or compression artifacts that interrupt smooth sound. Remedies include increasing frame rate or bandwidth, improving encoding efficiency, or stabilizing the playback environment.

In writing and speech, choppy describes prose or dialogue with short, abrupt sentences or disjointed phrasing that disrupts the flow. This style can create a brisk tempo or convey urgency and tension, but it may also hinder readability if overused. Conversely, deliberately choppy pacing can be an intentional stylistic choice to achieve a specific effect.

Overall, choppy commonly denotes irregularity, abruptness, or lack of smooth progression across different domains.