Pronunciation: [lˈɒpɪŋ ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The word "lopping off" can be spelled using the phonetic transcription /lɒpɪŋ ɒf/. The IPA symbols are used to represent the sounds of the word. The "l" sound is followed by an "o" sound as in "lot," and then a "p" sound is heard followed by another "o" sound as in "off." The final sound is the voiced "ng" sound similar to the final sound in "sing." The word means to cut off, usually in a rough or uneven way.
Lopping off refers to the act of cutting or removing a part or portion of something, typically in a swift or forceful manner. It is commonly used to describe the deliberate severing or separation of a specific section from an object, usually by means of a sharp instrument or tool, such as a knife, saw, or axe.
The term can be used in various contexts, including physical activities, landscaping, and conversation. In physical activities, lopping off can refer to the removal of a body part, such as a limb or appendage, either intentionally or accidentally. When it comes to landscaping or gardening, lopping off is often associated with pruning or cutting branches or stems of plants and trees to control their growth or improve their appearance.
Furthermore, lopping off can also be employed metaphorically, suggesting the removal or exclusion of a specific component or element from a larger entity or concept. This figurative use of the term is commonly encountered in discussions or descriptions of editing, refining, or simplifying processes, where irrelevant or unnecessary parts are removed or cut out to improve clarity or functionality.
In summary, the term lopping off signifies the action of cutting or removing a section or part from an object, often in a decisive or abrupt manner. It can pertain to physical actions such as severing body parts or pruning plants, as well as metaphorical actions like trimming down or eliminating unnecessary elements.
The word "lopping off" is derived from the verb "lop", which in turn comes from Middle English "loppe" or "loppen" meaning "to cut off" or "to remove by cutting". The Old English root of "lop" is "loppe" or "loppian", which had a similar meaning of "to cut off". The term "lopping off" thus describes the act of cutting or removing something, typically by a chopping motion.
