1 B2 idiomatic informal
To scold someone harshly and angrily, usually in a position of authority over them.
"The coach chewed out the entire team for their sloppy performance in the first half."
separable
chew out
B2 informal separable transitive
To scold or reprimand someone severely and angrily.
In plain English
To shout at someone and tell them off very strongly because they did something wrong.
What does "chew out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Primarily American English. Strongly associated with military, sports, and workplace contexts where a superior reprimands a subordinate. Less common in British English, where 'tear a strip off' or 'dress down' might be preferred.
Words that pair with "chew out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boss sergeant coach mistake performance employee
How to conjugate "chew out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chew out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chews out
he/she/it
Past simple
chewed out
yesterday
Past participle
chewed out
have + pp
-ing form
chewing out
continuous
Hear "chew out" in the wild
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