Campbell Steven 
Internet lingo changes rapidly and children usually learn new lingo much earlier than their parents. One of these terms is becoming famous and it is referred to as chopped. It might sound quite innocent, but its definition and the ways to discuss it with children are significant to provide children with a safe and respectful online space.
This article describes the chopped meaning slang and the places where children are exposed to it, and what parents need to do to deal with it harmlessly.
What Is the Slang Meaning of Chopped?
Online slang used chopped in negative sense to refer to the appearance of a person meaning that a person is not attractive. It’s often seen in:
TikTok comments
Instagram reels
Group chats and gaming chats
Meme culture
Example:
Why is it that people are being chopped off in the comments?
The term is insulting or judgmental even though some teenagers can use it as a joke.
What Is So Wrong with Slanging?
Although the word is not explicit, it may be harmful:
Encourages body shaming
Normalizes mean humor
Can impact self-esteem
Encourages the culture of online bullying.
Children can repeat the word without knowing how painful it may be – particularly when they are addressing their peers or classmates over the Internet.
The Place Kids are Most likely to read or use Chopped
Children and teens usually find this slang on:
Social video websites (TikTok, YouTube Shorts).
The comment section on social media.
Online multiplayer games
Private group chats
Since it is commonly used in an unprofessional way, children may think it is harmless.
Talking to Children about “Chopped” Slang.
Explain the Meaning Clearly
Make children aware that chopped is often used as an insult to someone that is often meant as a joke.
Encourage Empathy
Ask questions like:
And how would you like to be called so?
Do you believe the jokes on appearances can harm other people?
This assists children to think out of fashions.
Set Boundaries for Language
Give them the idea that some words are not okay to use at home or via the Internet, particularly those that will insult someone.
Encourage Positive Alternatives.
Encourage kids to:
Do not comment about looks.
Use kind or neutral language
Pass the negative information rather than coping up with it.
Monitoring Tools and Parental Controls.
To assist in the control of exposure to dangerous slang:
Allow filtered comments on social media applications.
Screen time/content controls.
Review social interactions on a periodic basis.
Be open but not restrictive when communicating.
Tools cannot be used effectively without a conversation but surveillance.
Training Children on responsible use of slangs.
Slang as such is not bad, it is an expression of how children communicate. The trick is to educate at the point where slang becomes inappropriate.
Help kids understand:
Even in cyberspace words matter.
Fun is not supposed to be at the expense of the other person.
Respect is more important than trends are.
Final Thoughts
Chopped slang can be used as a mere internet word, but one which can make people negative unless something is done about it. Through the interpretation of its meaning and by empathizing with the kids and setting boundaries, parents can assist the children to use language online in a safe and responsible manner.
The best method of creating digital awareness and digital kindness in children is open discussions, rather than rules.
