Bust somebody's chops
verb phrase
To tease or annoy someone.
Stop busting my chops, I'm already stressed about the test.
Often appears as...
- stop busting my chops
- don't bust his chops
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
To criticize someone.
The boss is always busting my chops about my work performance.
Often appears as...
- busting my chops about something
- he's always busting their chops
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
To make efforts or work hard.
I've been busting my chops all day long to finish this project.
Often appears as...
- busting my chops to do something
- she's been busting her chops
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
To tease or annoy someone.
Stop busting my chops, I'm already stressed about the test.
Often appears as...
- stop busting my chops
- don't bust his chops
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
To criticize someone.
The boss is always busting my chops about my work performance.
Often appears as...
- busting my chops about something
- he's always busting their chops
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
To make efforts or work hard.
I've been busting my chops all day long to finish this project.
Often appears as...
- busting my chops to do something
- she's been busting her chops
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Playful Teasing
Used among friends to humorously irritate or mock each other.
When I got the answer wrong, my buddy started busting my chops.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It doesn't involve actual hitting; it's a metaphorical expression.
No worries, she's just busting my chops, not being mean.
Pro Tip 3/3Friendly Affection
Can imply closeness when used in a joking way.
Only my brother can get away with busting my chops like that.
Pro Tip 1/3Playful Teasing
Used among friends to humorously irritate or mock each other.
When I got the answer wrong, my buddy started busting my chops.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It doesn't involve actual hitting; it's a metaphorical expression.
No worries, she's just busting my chops, not being mean.
Pro Tip 3/3Friendly Affection
Can imply closeness when used in a joking way.
Only my brother can get away with busting my chops like that.
Pro Tip 1/3Playful Teasing
Used among friends to humorously irritate or mock each other.
When I got the answer wrong, my buddy started busting my chops.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It doesn't involve actual hitting; it's a metaphorical expression.
No worries, she's just busting my chops, not being mean.
Pro Tip 3/3Friendly Affection
Can imply closeness when used in a joking way.
Only my brother can get away with busting my chops like that.
Never forget "Bust somebody's chops"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension