General
chow hound
What does chow hound mean?
A soldier with a huge appetite who is always first to the mess hall and angles for extra rations — the unit's notorious eater.
"That chow hound went back for thirds before the rest of us sat down."
Origin
American military slang of the 1940s, where 'chow' meant food and a 'hound' was someone hungry for it. It was common among WWII GIs and crossed into civilian use for any big eater.
Frequently asked questions
What does chow hound mean?
A soldier or person with a huge appetite who's always first in line for food.
Where did chow hound come from?
From 1940s U.S. military slang, combining 'chow' for food with 'hound' for someone hungry for it.
Is chow hound an insult?
It's mostly teasing and affectionate rather than cruel.
Is it still used?
Yes — 'chowhound' survives as a friendly term for an enthusiastic eater or foodie.
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