comedy chops

USAGE SUMMARY

"comedy chops" is a commonly used phrase in English, and is often used to describe an individual's comedic talent or skill.
For example: "He's got some serious comedy chops; his stand-up routines always have the audience in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And yet he's still got comedy chops.

The Guardian

He proved his comedy chops again in Reno 911!: Miami and Get Smart.

The Guardian - Film

John's reactive satire comedy chops haven't got many outlets on British TV".

Independent

Mrs Doubtfire or The Birdcage would have showcased his comedy chops.

The Guardian - Film

"We all wanted to prove we had the comedy chops to pull this off," Ms. Cuthbert said.

The New York Times - Arts

There's nobody who looks like this that has the comedy chops she has".

The Guardian - Film

It's Reynolds's comedy chops not his jellyfish pecs that separate him from the pack.

The Guardian - Film

It helps if your presenters have some comedy chops, more if they are presenters by trade.

The Guardian - Music

That means that Kidman is out - we need somebody with better pronounced comedy chops.

The Guardian - Film

He "definitely" thinks his year on Broadway has improved his comedy chops.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But there is no denying he's equipped for this level of success: his show Coupla Cans is a good-time 90 minutes, showcasing an act with formidable character-comedy chops and a lovely ease and confidence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comedy chops" to describe someone's proven ability to deliver comedic performances effectively. It implies experience and skill, not just potential.

Common error

Avoid using "comedy chops" to describe someone who is just starting out or hasn't yet demonstrated their comedic abilities. The phrase suggests established skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comedy chops" functions as a noun phrase that describes the skill or talent one possesses in the realm of comedy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, indicating its established role in describing comedic proficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comedy chops" is a common phrase used to describe someone's comedic abilities, specifically their skill and experience in performing comedy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in the media. While it functions as a noun phrase, its register leans towards the informal, making it suitable for news, entertainment, and casual conversation. Related phrases include "comedic talent" and "comic skills". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects someone's demonstrated ability rather than just potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comedic talent

Focuses more broadly on inherent talent rather than demonstrated skill.

comic skills

A more general term referring to abilities in comedy.

comedic ability

Highlights the capacity to perform comedy effectively.

humorous capabilities

Emphasizes the potential for creating humor.

knack for comedy

Suggests a natural aptitude or flair for comedic performance.

comedic prowess

Indicates exceptional skill and mastery in the realm of comedy.

talent for humor

Focuses on an innate ability to evoke humor.

gift for comedy

Implies an inherent, often effortless, ability to be funny.

comedic gifts

Pluralizes "gift" to suggest a range of comedic talents.

comedy expertise

Emphasizes a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of comedy.

FAQs

How can I use "comedy chops" in a sentence?

You can say, "The actor proved his "comedy chops" in the latest sitcom", or "She's known for her impressive "comedy chops" on stage".

What's a good alternative to "comedy chops"?

Consider using alternatives such as "comedic talent", "comic skills", or "comedic ability" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "comedy chops" formal or informal language?

"Comedy chops" is generally considered informal language, suitable for news, entertainment writing, and casual conversation, but less appropriate for formal academic or business contexts.

What does it mean to have "comedy chops"?

To have "comedy chops" means possessing a strong ability and skill in performing comedy, including timing, delivery, and understanding of comedic techniques.