chew out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “chew out” mean?
To reprimand or scold someone severely and at length.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To reprimand or scold someone severely and at length.
To subject someone to a harsh verbal rebuke, often expressing anger or disappointment about a failure or mistake.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and deeply entrenched in American English. In British English, it is understood but less frequently used; alternatives like 'tell off', 'give a rollicking', or 'haul over the coals' are more typical.
Connotations
Both varieties share the core meaning of a harsh scolding. In AmE, it is a standard informal term. In BrE, it can sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
High frequency in American informal/colloquial registers. Low-to-medium frequency in British English, often perceived as an imported phrase.
Grammar
How to Use “chew out” in a Sentence
[Subject] chews [Object] out[Subject] chews out [Object] for [Gerund/Noun Phrase][Object] gets chewed outVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chew out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His manager gave him a proper telling-off for the missed deadline.
- The coach is likely to chew him out for that reckless tackle.
American English
- The boss chewed me out for being late to the meeting.
- I got chewed out by my dad for scratching the car.
adverb
British English
- He spoke to her tellingly about her conduct.
- Not applicable for 'chew out' as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable for 'chew out' as an adverb.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- After the chewing-out he received, he looked thoroughly chastened.
- She delivered a right rollicking.
American English
- He had a chewed-out expression after meeting with the principal.
- It was a real chewing-out session.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informally used for a manager harshly criticizing an employee's poor performance.
Academic
Rare; considered too informal for academic writing.
Everyday
Common in narratives about being scolded by authority figures (parents, bosses).
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chew out”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Incorrect particle: 'chew up' (to destroy by chewing) is different.
- Using it for a mild correction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is strictly informal, bordering on slang. Do not use it in formal reports, academic papers, or official communications.
'Chew out' (AmE) is generally more intense, angry, and prolonged than 'tell off' (BrE). 'Tell off' can be used for milder reprimands.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'I got chewed out' or 'He was chewed out by his supervisor.'
Yes, informally: 'a chewing-out'. E.g., 'He gave me a real chewing-out.'
To reprimand or scold someone severely and at length.
Chew out: in British English it is pronounced /tʃuː ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃu ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Read the riot act”
- “Give someone a piece of your mind”
- “Take someone to task”
- “Give someone an earful”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an angry dog literally chewing on a slipper it has destroyed, while its owner is figuratively 'chewing out' the dog with angry words. Both involve a prolonged, destructive action.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (verbally consuming/destroying the recipient). CRITICISM IS MASTICATION (grinding down with words).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'chew out' be LEAST appropriate?