"Busting his chops"

Posted by Word Camel on July 24, 2003

In Brooklyn and other places in the NYC area it is customary to refer to giving someone a hard time as "busting his chops". I've also heard it used to indicate teasing "Hey, I'm just busting your chops".

Anyway, I'm wondering where it comes from and especially what the "chops" are. Any ideas?

Don't bust my chops! It's in the archives... link enclosed Word Camel 07/24/03
- Winding him up ESC 07/24/03
- Winding him up ESC 07/24/03
  - Winding him up James Briggs 07/24/03
    - Winding him up ESC 07/24/03
      - Winding him up Kit 07/24/03
        
        Winding him up pdianek 07/24/03
        
        Winding him up Shae 07/24/03
        
        Winding him up ESC 07/24/03
        
        Chop, chop Henry 07/25/03
        
        Chop, chop. Winding up and winding down James Briggs 07/25/03
        
        Chop, chop. Winding up and winding down Bob 07/25/03