Is chow formal or informal?

It is informal. People use it in casual speech, not in formal writing.

What is the difference between chow and food?

Food is neutral and works everywhere. Chow is slang and sounds more relaxed or playful.

What does chow down mean?

It means to eat quickly and with appetite. It is very casual.

Can I use chow in IELTS writing?

Usually no. Use food, meal, or dish instead for formal writing.

← Dictionary

chow

/tʃaʊ/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Informal word for food. It is common in casual speech, especially in American English. It can sound playful or rough, so avoid it in formal writing.

Let's get some chow after work.
The campers cooked their chow on a fire.
We need more chow for the party.

verb

To eat something quickly and casually. This use is informal and often sounds spoken, not written.

He chowed down on a burger.
We chowed before the movie.
They chowed on snacks all afternoon.

Adinary Nuance

Chow is much more casual than food, meal, or cuisine. Use it in relaxed speech, jokes, or informal writing, not in business, academic, or polite settings. As a verb, chow down is even more casual and means to eat quickly and eagerly.

In other languages

Vietnamese: đồ ăn
Spanish: comida
Chinese: 食物
Japanese: 食べ物
Korean: 음식

Etymology

Chow entered English in the 1800s, probably from Chinese Pidgin English, where it was used for food. It later became a casual American slang word.

Common phrases

chow downgood chowarmy chowpet chow

Synonyms

food grub meal

Related words

snack cuisine eat

Frequently asked questions

Is chow formal or informal?: It is informal. People use it in casual speech, not in formal writing.
What is the difference between chow and food?: Food is neutral and works everywhere. Chow is slang and sounds more relaxed or playful.
What does chow down mean?: It means to eat quickly and with appetite. It is very casual.
Can I use chow in IELTS writing?: Usually no. Use food, meal, or dish instead for formal writing.