chowtime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “chowtime” mean?
The time for eating a meal, particularly in an informal, communal, or military setting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The time for eating a meal, particularly in an informal, communal, or military setting.
A colloquial, often humorous term indicating mealtime. It carries connotations of hearty, simple food and a no-fuss attitude toward eating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American in origin and common use. British English might understand it but rarely uses it spontaneously. The British equivalent would be 'grub's up' or simply 'time to eat'.
Connotations
In American English, it strongly connotes military, camping, or institutional settings (schools, summer camps). In British contexts, if used, it sounds like an Americanism.
Frequency
Very low frequency in the UK; moderate in specific American contexts (historical military, outdoor activities).
Grammar
How to Use “chowtime” in a Sentence
It's chowtime!The sergeant called chowtime.We waited for chowtime.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chowtime” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb in UK English)
American English
- (Rarely used as a verb) e.g., 'Stop chowtiming and get back to work!' (non-standard, humorous)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- The chowtime bell rang across the campground.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Not used, except perhaps in historical or sociological studies of language.
Everyday
Used humorously among friends or family to announce a meal in a casual, playful way.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chowtime”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chowtime”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chowtime”
- Spelling as 'chow time' (two words is also accepted, but the closed compound is common).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it in non-native contexts where it sounds forced.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'chowtime' (closed compound) and 'chow time' (open compound) are acceptable, though dictionaries often list the closed form.
No, it is informal slang and would be inappropriate in professional correspondence. Use 'lunchtime', 'dinnertime', or 'the meal break' instead.
'Chow' is derived from the Chinese Pidgin English word 'chowchow' for food, which entered American English via sailors and was popularised in the military.
It is not a high-frequency word. Its use is mostly nostalgic, humorous, or confined to specific contexts like summer camps or historical reenactments. Many younger speakers might find it old-fashioned.
The time for eating a meal, particularly in an informal, communal, or military setting.
Chowtime is usually informal, slang in register.
Chowtime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaʊˌtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaʊˌtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's chowtime on the double!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chow CHOW dog barking when it's TIME to eat – 'Chowtime!'
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A COMMODITY (food is served at its designated 'time slot').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chowtime' MOST likely to be used naturally?