noun
chow
CHOW/tʃaʊ/
Food, especially simple or hearty fare
The plate holds hearty chow: mashed potatoes, peas, and browned sausages.
Etymology
Chow-chow could mean food, mixed preserves, or a medley. Shortened to chow, it initially referred especially to Chinese food before broadening to food in general; its deeper Chinese origin remains uncertain.
In context
enlisted men eat the same as the officers but there's a chow line rather than Silver Service
More examples
- There's plenty of chow left in the kitchen.
- He packs enough chow for the camping trip.
- The cook calls everyone inside for chow.
Forms
chow
Similar words
- food
- Food is neutral; chow is informal and often suggests hearty everyday meals.