The spelling of the word "collop" may seem unusual as it deviates from the commonly accepted spelling of "chop". However, the pronunciation of the word provides insight into its origin. "Collop" is pronounced /ˈkɒləp/ with a short "o" sound, which is similar to the old English pronunciation of the word. The word "collop" is thought to come from the Middle English word "colop", which meant a slice or piece of meat. Despite the unconventional spelling, the word has managed to retain its original pronunciation throughout the years.
Collop is a noun that typically refers to a slice or piece of meat, especially bacon or ham. It is commonly used in English cuisine, particularly in breakfast dishes where these types of meats are traditionally included. The term can also be employed to describe a portion of any kind of thin, flat food item.
Collop can be used in a broader sense to describe a thick piece or slice of any object, such as a piece of paper or fabric. This usage is less common and mostly found in British English. It refers to a portion that is larger or thicker than average.
In a more figurative context, collop can be employed to depict a lump or pile of something, typically when referring to a mass that is shapeless or indistinct. This usage is less frequent and often serves as a metaphorical expression.
Overall, collop primarily denotes a slice or portion of meat or food, but it can also be extended to describe a thick slice of any material or a shapeless mass. Its usage may vary depending on regional and cultural contexts, but it remains a versatile term that generally portrays a specific amount or piece of an object.
A small slice of meat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "collop" derives from Middle English "collop", which can be traced back to Old English "colop", meaning a slice of meat. This Old English term is thought to have originated from Proto-Germanic *kōlubaz, which meant "lump" or "hunk". The word "collop" has historically been used to refer to a thin slice of meat, particularly bacon, and eventually extended its meaning to encompass other types of meat slices or food items served in a similar fashion.