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[1096] Chew the fat

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To chat casually and at length, often about unimportant things.

Origin

  • Several theories exist.
  • One suggests it refers to the slow, leisurely chewing of tough, fatty meat or pork rind, mirroring a long, relaxed conversation.
  • Another links it to sailors chewing salt-cured fat during long voyages with ample time for talk.
  • It implies a relaxed, unhurried conversation without a specific agenda.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Shoot the breeze
  • Have a chinwag (UK/Aus/NZ)
  • Gab
  • Yak
  • Catch up
  • Schmooze (Often implies networking or socialising with a purpose, but can be casual)
  • Rap (Informal/Slang)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Shoot the breeze (Very similar meaning)
  • Shoot the shit (Vulgar, very informal, implies casual, unimportant talk)
  • Rap (AAVE origin, means to talk casually and comfortably)
  • Chop it up (Slang, means to talk, converse)
  • Gas (UK/Irish slang, means to chat idly)

Milder/Standard:

  • Catch up
  • Chat
  • Have a talk
  • Socialize

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal.
  • Suitable for casual settings with friends, family, or familiar colleagues.
  • Avoid in very formal or professional contexts.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might take it literally, imagining people chewing actual fat.
  • Ensure they understand it means talking leisurely.

Examples

  • We spent all evening just chewing the fat by the fireplace.
  • I ran into Sarah yesterday, and we chewed the fat for an hour.
  • Let's grab a coffee and chew the fat sometime soon.

Dialogue

Mark: Haven't seen David in ages.

Lisa: Me neither. We should call him up.

Mark: Good idea. Maybe we could all get together and just chew the fat for a bit.

Lisa: Perfect. I'll text him.

Social Media Examples

  • Post: Just spent a lovely afternoon chewing the fat with my grandpa. So many stories! #familytime #makingmemories
  • Tweet: Nothing better than chewing the fat with old friends over a few beers. #goodtimes #friendship
  • Comment: Sounds like a great way to spend an evening, just chewing the fat.

Response Patterns

This phrase usually describes an action rather than inviting a specific response.

    If someone suggests Let's chew the fat, a common response is agreement:

    • Sounds good!
    • I'd like that.
    • Yeah, let's do it.

    Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

    After suggesting chewing the fat:

    • Suggesting a time/place: How about Thursday after work?
    • Asking about availability: Are you free this weekend?

    If describing a past event:

    • Asking about the content of the chat: Oh yeah? What did you talk about? (if appropriate)
    • Expressing positive sentiment: Sounds like a nice time.

    Conversation Starter

    • No.
    • Typically used to describe a type of conversation, or suggest having one, rather than starting the conversation itself.

    Intonation

    • Fairly neutral intonation.
    • Stress usually falls on chew and fat.
    • We just sat around CHEWING the FAT.

    Generation Differences

    • More common among older generations (40+), but generally understood by most native speakers.
    • Younger generations might prefer catch up or hang out.

    Regional Variations

    • Used across most English-speaking regions, perhaps slightly more common in American English.
    • Chinwag is a common equivalent in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
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