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What Does "Chew the Fat" Mean?

Alan Rankin
Alan Rankin

“Chew the fat” is an English expression meaning to indulge in casual conversation or gossip. It is related to the antiquated phrase “chew the rag.” Both phrases date to the 19th century and originally meant to gripe or complain. The origin of these terms is uncertain. Most sources agree, however, that they probably describe the mouth movements that are common to both chewing and talking.

The Oxford English Dictionary, a widely used reference for English words and phrases, records the earliest published appearance of such terms. It dates the phrase “chew the fat” to 1885, crediting it to a book about British soldiers stationed in India. Most colloquialisms, however, are used in conversation for years or even decades before they appear in print. “Chew the rag” appears in American sources as early as 1875. Although no definitive coining has been documented, both phrases seem to have originated no earlier than the middle of the 19th century.

Gossiping can be a form of "chewing the fat."
Gossiping can be a form of "chewing the fat."

The nature of the “fat” in “chew the fat” is equally uncertain. Some sources suggest it refers to salt pork, a staple of shipboard life in early naval history. Before the advent of refrigeration, food was often preserved by curing it with salt. This long-lasting source of protein was kept on ships for long voyages when other food supplies ran short. Salt pork could be tough and fatty, requiring thorough chewing before it was digestible.

Some believe the "fat" in "chew the fat" refers to salt-cured pork.
Some believe the "fat" in "chew the fat" refers to salt-cured pork.

“Chew the rag” is likewise accounted to sailors or soldiers who would be forced to chew on rags when chewing tobacco was not available. It is suggested that they complained about their deprivation, giving the phrase its original meaning; “chew the fat” has been given a similar explanation. There is no documentation to support these stories, however, and “chew the rag” may as likely derive from the phrase “to rag,” meaning to scold or complain. In any case, “chew the fat” took on the meanings “o make idle conversation or to gossip by the early 20th century. It retains these meanings in the present day, with its older meanings and variations usually forgotten.

Getting together to "chew the fat" often occurs between friends.
Getting together to "chew the fat" often occurs between friends.

In 1999, an anonymous essay titled “Life in the 1500s” appeared on the Internet and was widely circulated by e-mail. “Life in the 1500s” gave an inaccurate explanation for “chew the fat” and many other common phrases, such as “bring home the bacon” and “saved by the bell.” It credited these phrases to rural life in the 16th century, which was also inaccurately described and which predated many of these terms by centuries. Whether created out of mischief or simple ignorance, the declarations in “Life in the 1500s” have since been thoroughly discredited.

Discussion Comments

RocketLanch8

I've also heard "run my mouth" and "jaw-jacking" to describe those kinds of casual conversations. My grandpa used to sit on a bench and whittle while the grocery store owner took a really long break. They'd talk about the weather, or farming, or whatever was in the local newspaper that morning. He'd tell Grandma later that he was chewing the fat with Sam.

Phaedrus

My dad used to say he was going to the barber shop just to "chew the fat" all the time. I had no idea what he meant when I was four years old, and I honestly thought those grown-ups sat in chairs and chewed real pieces of fat. I heard "shoot the breeze" later on, and I figured out what that meant.

I wonder if "chew the fat" has anything to do with "chew the cud". I've seen cows chew on the same piece of cud for hours, and it looks like they're having a conversation.

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    • Gossiping can be a form of "chewing the fat."
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Gossiping can be a form of "chewing the fat."
    • Some believe the "fat" in "chew the fat" refers to salt-cured pork.
      By: umberto leporini
      Some believe the "fat" in "chew the fat" refers to salt-cured pork.
    • Getting together to "chew the fat" often occurs between friends.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Getting together to "chew the fat" often occurs between friends.
    • "Chewing the fat" might occur at a bar or other public place.
      By: shotsstudio
      "Chewing the fat" might occur at a bar or other public place.
    • Chewing the fat conversations may focus on a person's relationships.
      By: avecfort
      Chewing the fat conversations may focus on a person's relationships.