chops

noun[plural only]6

1. •
   (slang) Jaws, lips, mouth.
2. •
   One's skill at musical interpretation and delivery; musical performance ability.

   • Although the bass player had no experience playing in New Orleans, the crowd's enthusiastic response showed that he had the chops to make it in the very particular Crescent City jazz scene.
3. •
   (informal) One's skill at any endeavor; ability, talent; competency.

   • Although he did not know all of the ins and outs of the newsroom, he had the writing chops to become a regular contributor.
4. •
   (Australia, slang) Food.
5. •
   The area where two tides meet and cause an irregular (choppy) sea.
6. •
   A pattern that involves carrying the object with the hand over the next object before throwing it.