chowhound: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, humorous
Quick answer
What does “chowhound” mean?
A person who greatly enjoys eating, especially large quantities of food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who greatly enjoys eating, especially large quantities of food; a food enthusiast.
A person whose main interest is seeking out and consuming food, often with connotations of eagerness or gluttony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is predominantly used in American English. The slang 'chow' for food is less common in British English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies hearty enjoyment of food. It may carry a slightly stronger connotation of informal, hearty appetite in AmE, while in BrE (where used) it is a distinctly American borrowing.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. In British English, alternative terms like 'foodie' (neutral) or 'greedy-guts' (negative) are more common.
Grammar
How to Use “chowhound” in a Sentence
[be/consider] a chowhound[known as] a chowhoundVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chowhound” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's out chowhounding his way through Borough Market again.
American English
- We spent the weekend chowhounding around the city's best food trucks.
adjective
British English
- He has a real chowhound appetite when it comes to a full English breakfast.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could appear in informal marketing for food products or restaurants targeting enthusiasts.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation to describe someone who loves food, especially in social settings or food-related discussions.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chowhound”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chowhound”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chowhound”
- Misspelling as 'chow-hound' or 'chow hound' (though the open form is sometimes seen).
- Using in formal contexts.
- Overusing as a synonym for any food enthusiast without the connotation of hearty/enthusiastic consumption.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. It is informal and can be used humorously or affectionately to describe someone who loves food. However, depending on tone and context, it can imply gluttony.
A 'foodie' is generally a connoisseur interested in the quality, preparation, and experience of food. A 'chowhound' emphasizes the enthusiastic consumption and seeking out of food, often in larger quantities, with less focus on refinement.
Yes, informally. To 'chowhound' means to actively seek out and eat food with enthusiasm (e.g., 'We chowhounded our way through Chinatown'). This usage is more common in American English.
No. It is an Americanism. British speakers are likely to understand it, but they would more naturally use terms like 'foodie', 'greedy-guts', or 'big eater' depending on the nuance required.
A person who greatly enjoys eating, especially large quantities of food.
Chowhound is usually informal, humorous in register.
Chowhound: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaʊ.haʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaʊˌhaʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He eats like a chowhound.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOUND dog sniffing out and eagerly eating its CHOW (dog food). A 'chowhound' is a person who hunts for good food with similar enthusiasm.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN AS ANIMAL (hound): The person's food-seeking behavior is metaphorically mapped onto the instinctual, eager behavior of a hunting dog.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'chowhound' be LEAST appropriate?