chow chow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, specialist (when referring to the dog breed)
Quick answer
What does “chow chow” mean?
A breed of medium-sized dog with a thick coat, a blue-black tongue, and a scowling expression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of medium-sized dog with a thick coat, a blue-black tongue, and a scowling expression.
A Chinese pickled relish made from mixed vegetables. (Less common).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation varies (see IPA). The breed is equally known in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, referring specifically to the breed. In informal US English, 'chow' alone is slang for food, which can cause a slight pun or confusion.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher in contexts related to dogs, pets, or dog shows.
Grammar
How to Use “chow chow” in a Sentence
[subject] has/owns a chow chow.The [adjective] chow chow [verb].They are breeding chow chows.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chow chow” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She prefers chow chow puppies to other breeds.
- He has a chow chow temperament—aloof but loyal.
American English
- Their chow chow mix is incredibly smart.
- That chow chow fur requires daily brushing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
May appear in texts on canine genetics, animal husbandry, or cultural studies (Chinese exports).
Everyday
Used in conversations about pets, dog breeds, or dog shows.
Technical
Used in veterinary medicine, dog breeding, and kennel club classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chow chow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chow chow”
- Misspelling as 'chow-chow' (hyphen is often omitted in modern usage).
- Using plural 'chows chow' (correct plural: chow chows).
- Confusing it with the general slang term 'chow' meaning food.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be written with or without a hyphen ('chow chow' or 'chow-chow'), but the unhyphenated form is more common in contemporary usage.
The name likely derives from 'cha', a Pidgin English term for mixed goods or sundries, used on shipping manifests for miscellaneous items from the East, including the dog and the relish.
They can be loyal and protective, but they are often reserved, independent, and can be aggressive if not properly socialised and trained. They are not typically recommended for first-time dog owners.
No, 'chow' is simply a common shortened form of 'chow chow' when referring to the dog breed.
A breed of medium-sized dog with a thick coat, a blue-black tongue, and a scowling expression.
Chow chow is usually informal, specialist (when referring to the dog breed) in register.
Chow chow: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaʊ ˈtʃaʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaʊ ˈtʃaʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A chow chow has a chow (food/full) face because of its thick, fluffy cheeks.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLUFFINESS IS PROTECTION (thick coat as a protective shield).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a distinctive physical feature of a chow chow?