Idioms for chew

    chew the fat, Informal. to converse at length in a relaxed manner; chat: They liked to sit around chewing the fat. Also chew the rag.

Origin of chew

before 1000; Middle English chewen, Old English cēowan; cognate with Old High German kiuwan (German kauen)

OTHER WORDS FROM chew

chew·er, noun un·chewed, adjective well-chewed, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH chew

chews choose

Words nearby chew

chevron, chevronel, chevrotain, chevy, chevy chase, chew, chew out, chew over, chew the cud, chew the fat, chew up

Words related to chew out

carpet, criticize, jaw, revile, vituperate, wig, tongue-lash

British Dictionary definitions for chew out (1 of 2)

chew out

verb

(tr, adverb) informal, mainly US and Canadian to reprimand

British Dictionary definitions for chew out (2 of 2)

chew
/ (tʃuː) /

verb

to work the jaws and teeth in order to grind (food); masticate
to bite repeatedly she chewed her nails anxiously
(intr) to use chewing tobacco
chew the fat or chew the rag slang
  1. to argue over a point
  2. to talk idly; gossip

noun

the act of chewing
something that is chewed a chew of tobacco
See also chew out, chew over, chew up

Derived forms of chew

chewable, adjective chewer, noun

Word Origin for chew

Old English ceowan; related to Old High German kiuwan, Dutch kauwen, Latin gingīva a gum

Idioms and Phrases with chew out (1 of 2)

chew out

Scold harshly, as in Dad will chew you out for taking the car without permission. Originating in the military, this slangy term began to be used during World War I and soon spread to civilian life. Several vulgar versions, such as chew someone's ass out, should be avoided in polite speech. Also see eat out, def. 2.

Idioms and Phrases with chew out (2 of 2)

chew