big eater

USAGE SUMMARY

"big eater" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who eats more than average. Example: My brother is a big eater and can finish a plate of food in just a few minutes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I'm a big eater.

The New Yorker

He was a big eater.

The New Yorker

Perhaps most important, she's not a big eater.

The New York Times

Not that Mr. Sherman is a big eater.

The New York Times

In "Big Eater," David Neumann introduces topics that bubble up like restless, random thoughts.

The New York Times - Arts

She wrote in her diary that he was not a big eater and that "down there, his vitals were missing".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Today Okinawans are big eaters of pork, unlike "mainland" Japanese.

The Economist

These cells were originally described as their name suggests as "big eaters" (macro = big, phage = eat).

Harvard University

This is proper Polish food, hearty rather than healthy, with big portions for big eaters.

The Guardian - Travel

We always eat out but we're not very big eaters.

The Guardian - Arts

The Roadstar (four cheeseburgers on a single bun for $7.91) was a hit with big eaters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big eater" to describe someone who consistently consumes large portions of food. It's generally a neutral term, but context can influence its connotation.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating "big eater" with negative traits like gluttony. While it can imply overconsumption, it often simply describes someone with a large appetite or a healthy enjoyment of food.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big eater" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive label for someone who consumes a large quantity of food. Ludwig examples demonstrate it describing individuals with large appetites or those who eat more than average.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big eater" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe someone who consumes large amounts of food. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally acceptable in written English. While it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of gluttony, it often simply denotes a large appetite. The usage spans across various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. Remember to consider the tone and context when using this phrase, and explore alternatives like "heavy eater" or "gourmand" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy eater

Direct synonym, emphasizing the quantity of food consumed.

one who eats a lot

A more descriptive and less concise way of saying "big eater".

someone with a large appetite

Focuses on the capacity to eat a large quantity of food.

one with a big appetite

Similar to "someone with a large appetite", but slightly more informal.

glutton

A more formal and somewhat negative term for someone who eats excessively.

voracious eater

Emphasizes the insatiable appetite of the person.

hearty eater

Suggests someone who enjoys large meals and eats with enthusiasm.

gourmand

Implies someone who enjoys eating a lot, often with a focus on quality.

a person with a healthy appetite

Suggests a normal and positive enjoyment of food, but in large quantities.

food lover

General term for someone who enjoys eating

FAQs

How can I use "big eater" in a sentence?

You can say, "My brother is a "big eater" and always asks for seconds" or "The restaurant is popular with "big eaters" because of its large portions."

What is a more formal alternative to "big eater"?

While "big eater" is generally acceptable, you could use "heavy eater" or, in a more negative context, "glutton".

Is it rude to call someone a "big eater"?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. It's generally a neutral observation, but it could be perceived as rude if said with a judgmental tone or in a situation where someone is self-conscious about their eating habits.

What's the difference between a "big eater" and a "foodie"?

A ""big eater"" simply consumes large quantities of food. A "foodie" is someone who has a strong interest in food and enjoys exploring different cuisines and culinary experiences, regardless of portion size.