chow down

USAGE SUMMARY

'chow down' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to mean that someone is about to eat a meal in a very enthusiastic way, so it often has a humorous connotation. For example, you could write, "Let's chow down on these delicious burgers!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

HuffPost

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Chow down on that.

The Economist

Apparently most just chow down, though.

The New York Times - Food

You could just about chow down on the bullion now.

The Guardian - Sport

The locals chow down on this and I had seconds.

The Guardian - Travel

We watched Neal chow down on more chicken.

The New Yorker

Chow Down With Cheney Dick Cheney is coming to dinner.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Everywhere you looked, people were chowing down or waiting to chow down.

The New Yorker

They're chowing down hamburgers.

The New York Times

As he chows down, I ask about Jessica Chastain.

The Guardian - Film

Biden and Obama chowed down at Ray's in 2009.

The Washington Post

Luckily, he chowed down in microgravity with no trouble.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chow down" in informal contexts, among friends and family, or when describing a casual dining experience. It adds a friendly, approachable tone.

Common error

While "chow down" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, it's best to avoid using it in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more neutral terms like "eat" or "dine" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chow down" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the act of eating. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It describes the action of consuming food, often implying enthusiasm or a large quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

22%

HuffPost

22%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

The Guardian

1%

Science Magazine

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chow down" is a common and informal verb phrase that means to eat, often with enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It’s best suited for casual settings and should be avoided in formal writing. The phrase is frequently used in news media and online content, and has several synonyms like "dig in" and "tuck in" that can be used depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dig in

Emphasizes starting to eat with enthusiasm; slightly more encouraging.

tuck in

Similar to 'dig in' but with a slightly more British English feel.

eat heartily

Highlights the enjoyment and quantity of food consumed.

feast on

Suggests a large and luxurious meal, implying abundance.

devour

Implies eating quickly and eagerly, often with a sense of hunger.

consume

A more formal and neutral way to say 'eat'.

grab a bite

Suggests eating something small or quick.

have a meal

A more formal and general way to refer to eating.

ingest

A technical or medical term for eating, lacking the casual tone.

feed

A basic action of eating, focusing on provision of food.

FAQs

What does "chow down" mean?

"Chow down" means to eat, often in a hearty or enthusiastic manner. It's an informal way to say someone is about to enjoy a meal.

How can I use "chow down" in a sentence?

You can use "chow down" in a sentence like: "Let's "chow down" on this pizza!" or "The team was ready to "chow down" after the game."

What can I say instead of "chow down"?

You can use alternatives like "dig in", "tuck in", or "eat heartily" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "chow down" in formal writing?

No, it is generally not appropriate to use "chow down" in formal writing. It's best to use more neutral terms like "eat" or "consume".