Chipping

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈt͡ʃɪpɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The action or result of small fragments breaking away from a surface ; the process of making small cuts or marks on a material or object ; performing a controlled short-distance shot in golf where the ball is lifted into the air
2. Fragments or bits that have broken off from an object’s surface ; creating tiny incisions or abrasions ; a golf technique involving short shots to get the ball onto the green
3. The occurrence of small cracks or breaks forming on a surface ; engraving or scoring slightly with a sharp tool ; a gentle golf stroke played close to the green to make the ball roll and then stop quickly

Etymology: "Chipping" is the gerund and participle form of "chip," so its history is largely the history of the verb it comes from. The noun-forming ending "-ing" is an old and productive one in English, and it was attached to "chip" in Middle English, where spellings such as "chippyng" and "chippynge" appear. The word thus describes the continuing action of chipping as well as the small pieces that fly off a surface. Because the ending is so ordinary, the word's meaning follows the action it names: fragments breaking away, the cutting of small marks into a material, and, in golf, a short lofted shot. Each sense stays close to the physical idea of striking off small bits of something, which is the thread that links the three uses listed here.

Synonyms: breaking, splitting, shattering, fracturing, cracking