Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (US) to wound or hurt verbally.

1903		‘Hugh McHugh’ Out for the Coin 23: For four years the Bookies broke it off in me till I looked like a porcupine in distress.
1953		L. Uris Battle Cry (1964) 146: I hope Ski doesn’t get it broken off in him.
1970		E. Tidyman Shaft 13: I’m going to break it off him and make him eat it.

2. (US black) to stop talking.

2000

(con. 1940s–60s) Décharné Straight from the Fridge Dad.