belly-filler
/ˈbɛl.i ˌfɪl.ə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A food or drink that makes you feel full quickly, but does not feel very special or satisfying. It is often used in informal speech.
- This snack is just a belly-filler.
- We need proper food, not belly-fillers.
- The noodles were cheap belly-fillers.
Adinary Nuance
Belly-filler is more negative than filler and more informal than meal or snack. It suggests food that only fills the stomach, with little taste or quality. Speakers use it when they want to say something is cheap, plain, or not satisfying.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- món lót dạ
- Spanish
- comida que llena
- Chinese
- 填肚子的食物
- Japanese
- 腹持ちだけの食べ物
- Korean
- 배만 채우는 음식
Etymology
This is a modern informal compound from belly + filler. It follows a common English pattern for names that describe what something does.
Common phrases
just a belly-fillercheap belly-fillera quick belly-filler
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is belly-filler a formal word?
- No. It is informal and can sound a bit rude or dismissive.
- Is belly-filler the same as snack?
- Not exactly. A snack can be pleasant, but a belly-filler feels plain and unsatisfying.
- Can I use belly-filler in business writing?
- Usually no. It sounds too informal for business or academic writing.