guttle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ArchaicArchaic, Humorous, Literary (when used deliberately)
Quick answer
What does “guttle” mean?
To eat or devour (food) greedily and in large quantities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To eat or devour (food) greedily and in large quantities.
The verb suggests a voracious, hoggish, or piggish manner of eating. It is rarely applied to non-food contexts, but can be used metaphorically for any activity done with excessive, gluttonous consumption.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare in both varieties. Slight preference for literary or humorous use in British English. Essentially no difference in contemporary usage.
Connotations
In both, the word is consciously chosen for its old-fashioned, rustic, or comedic tone. It's not a standard part of the modern lexicon.
Frequency
Extremely low. Most native speakers would not know the word. Its appearance is typically a deliberate stylistic choice.
Grammar
How to Use “guttle” in a Sentence
[Subject] + gutile + [Direct Object (food)][Subject] + gutile + away[Subject] + gutile + [Direct Object] + downVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guttle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tavern's patrons would gutile their pork pies and swill ale.
- He guttled the shepherd's pie as if he hadn't eaten for a week.
American English
- The cartoon character guttled a whole turkey leg in one bite.
- They guttled down the popcorn during the scary movie.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Guttlingly' is not a word.
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A. No standard adjectival form. 'Guttling' could be a non-standard participle adjective: 'a guttling appetite'.
American English
- N/A. 'Guttlesome' is not a word.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used in modern academic writing. May appear in historical texts or literary criticism discussing archaic vocabulary.
Everyday
Not used. Would be met with confusion.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guttle”
- Using it in a formal context.
- Using it as a synonym for 'drink' (it is for food).
- Spelling as 'guddle' or 'guttle' (with one 't').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is archaic and very rarely used in modern English. You will find it in older dictionaries and literature.
'Guttle' is more specific and vivid, implying a gluttonous, pig-like manner. 'Gobble' is more common and simply means to eat quickly and greedily.
No. It is considered archaic and would be marked as an inappropriate lexical choice. Use standard synonyms like 'devour' or 'consume rapidly' instead.
Not a standard one. 'Guttler' (one who guttles) is occasionally found in very old texts but is obsolete.
To eat or devour (food) greedily and in large quantities.
Guttle is usually archaic, humorous, literary (when used deliberately) in register.
Guttle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌt(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌd(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To gutile like a swine”
- “Guttle and run”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pig in a GUTTle (gutter) greedily eating scraps. The word 'gut' is in 'guttle', linking to the idea of filling one's gut.
Conceptual Metaphor
EATING IS ANIMALISTIC CONSUMPTION (specifically porcine).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'guttle' correctly?