The phrasal verb "chew out" is predominantly used in informal speech and is quite common in both spoken and casual written discourse, such as text messages or online forums. It means to reprimand someone severely and often has a connotation of anger or frustration. This phrasal verb is typically used when someone in a position of authority, such as a boss, parent, or teacher, expresses strong disapproval of someone's behavior. For example, "My coach chewed me out for missing practice." While not used in formal writing or speech, it is an effective phrase in conveying a strong emotional response in less formal contexts. It paints a vivid picture of the verbal "lashing" one receives, making it a rather colorful addition to colloquial English.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To scold or criticize someone severely.
The teacher chewed out the students for being disruptive during the lecture.
My boss chewed me out for submitting the report late.
He got chewed out by his coach for not following the play properly.
After the meeting, she was chewed out for not providing accurate data.
His mom chewed him out for breaking the window playing baseball.