Chewing the fat

[RoyalPineapl]

i am intrestes int the origin of the term 'chewing the fat' to meen to chat with your chums, does any one know where this odd phrase came about?

[Quizmonster]

It started life as 'chewing the rag', which was a piece of military slang meaning to whinge/complain rather than just to chat. It first appeared in the 'fat' form in an article in 'Punch' magazine in 1916. The whole idea of the chewing element is in comparison with a dog 'worrying' endlessly at something.

[Miss Betty]

It means to talk idly. Whether one is talking or chewing through fat or through gristle, the mouth seems to go through the same motions.