Is wolf-down formal or informal?

It is informal. It is common in speech and casual writing, not in formal reports.

It can sound rude if you use it about a person’s manners. It is usually fine in casual conversation.

What is the difference between wolf-down and devour?

Both mean to eat very quickly. **Devour** sounds more literary; **wolf-down** sounds more casual and greedy.

← Dictionary

wolf-down

/ˈwʊlf.daʊn/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To eat something very quickly and greedily. It often suggests poor manners or strong hunger.

He wolfed down his lunch in five minutes.
She wolfed down the noodles after class.
They wolfed down the snacks during the break.

Adinary Nuance

Wolf-down is stronger and more vivid than eat quickly. It often sounds a little rude or uncontrolled, while devour can sound more literary or dramatic. Use wolf-down when you want to show speed and greed, not just fast eating.

In other languages

Vietnamese: ăn ngấu nghiến
Spanish: devorar
Chinese: 狼吞虎咽
Japanese: がつがつ食べる
Korean: 게걸스럽게 먹다

Etymology

This phrase uses "wolf" for a greedy way of eating. It appears in English in the 19th century and became common in informal speech.

Common phrases

wolf down dinnerwolf down lunchwolf down a sandwich

Synonyms

devour gobble up scarf down guzzle

Related words

hungry fast meal appetite

Frequently asked questions

Is wolf-down formal or informal?: It is informal. It is common in speech and casual writing, not in formal reports.
Is wolf-down rude?: It can sound rude if you use it about a person’s manners. It is usually fine in casual conversation.
What is the difference between wolf-down and devour?: Both mean to eat very quickly. **Devour** sounds more literary; **wolf-down** sounds more casual and greedy.