“Choppy” describes the finish more than the haircut. You can see it in pixies, bobs, bixies and short shags whenever the ends are intentionally separated instead of smoothly blended.
Texture without losing the shape
The best choppy cuts still have a clear silhouette underneath. Fine hair may need only selective separation so the ends do not look sparse; thick hair can usually handle more internal texture, but the stylist still has to control where volume builds.
Messy and choppy are not the same thing
A choppy cut has visible separation. A messy finish is about how the hair is styled or allowed to fall. One haircut can be both, but it does not have to be. Our messy short choppy hairstyles guide compares several versions side by side.
Related directions
For more shag-like movement, compare shag haircuts. If you want the shortest footprint, see pixie cuts and the shaggy pixie guide.