Definition of the word mutton chops

The term "mutton chops" originated in the early 19th century, specifically in the United States. At this time, meat was becoming more widely available due to improvements in transportation and refrigeration. The term "mutton" refers to meat from sheep that are over a year old. When sheep are slaughtered at a young age, the meat is called "lamb." As the demand for mutton grew, so did the popularity of cutting the meat into thick strips, which were called "chops." The term "chops" derives from the Old English word "copp," which means "piece." These thick cuts of meat were particularly prominent on a man's face when they grew excessively long, creating the appearance of sideburns that resembled the strips of mutton. The name "mutton chops" first gained popularity in the US when Whig Party member Colonel Ashburton sported a substantial set of sideburns in the 1840s. Many people began to wear similarly fashionable facial hair, and the term "mutton chops" became associated with the trend. Over time, the fashion for mutton chops dwindled, and the term became less commonly used to describe both the facial hair and the meat cut. Today, while the term "mutton" is still used to refer to older sheep, the term "chop" more commonly describes a cut of meat taken from different animals, including beef, pork, and veal. However, the term "mutton chops" remains a part of many regional dialects and is still occasionally used to describe the meat cut or the facial hair.