chophouse
UK[ˈtʃɒphaʊs]US[ˈtɑːphaʊs]
n
a restaurant that specializes in serving steaks and other grilled or roasted meats.
Morpheme Breakdown
chop
house
chop
to cut
house
a building for human habitation or use
Etymology
the word "chophouse" is a transparent english compound from the late 17th century, combining the old english-derived word "chop," referring to a cut of meat, with "house," denoting a building or establishment. it originally described a modest eating house or tavern where the primary fare was chops—specifically cuts of meat like mutton or pork chops. the term's logic is straightforwardly literal, evolving from simply "a house that serves chops" to its modern, more specific sense of a restaurant specializing in steaks and grilled meats, often with a traditional or masculine ambiance.
Analysis
Structure: chop + house
chop (old english, functional role: root, meaning "to cut") + house (old english, functional role: root, meaning "a building for human habitation or use")
Examples
we celebrated his promotion with a hearty dinner at the old-fashioned chophouse downtown.
this chophouse is famous for its aged ribeye and classic sides like creamed spinach.
for a business lunch, he prefers the quiet, club-like atmosphere of a traditional chophouse.