Did you ever chew fat?

What does “chewing the fat” really mean? 12 social idioms explained

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We often say things like "break the ice" or "hit it off" when discussing hanging out with people, without giving much thought to these idioms. But each one has a specific origin and meaning. Have you ever stopped to think about these 12?

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The phrase "break the ice" comes from the days when trade ships got stuck in frozen waters during winter. Smaller vessels, known as icebreakers, were sent ahead to clear a navigable path.

In the same way, in social situations, initiating a conversation "breaks the ice" by easing tension and helping things flow more smoothly.

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The phrase "hit it off" dates back to the 18th century and originally referred to striking or starting something successfully.

Over time, it evolved to describe people who instantly connect or get along well when they first meet.

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When we talk about "getting the ball rolling," we mean starting something in a way that sets it in motion, like beginning plans for an event with a kickoff meeting.

The phrase comes from sports, where a game begins by putting the ball into play.

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To "rub elbows" means to be in close proximity to someone, often at the same event or in the same space, typically without much personal interaction.

It’s commonly used when referring to being around famous or influential people, like at a formal event or gathering.

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To "shoot the breeze" means to engage in a relaxed, casual conversation, often without any specific purpose or agenda.

It’s usually more personal than small talk, which usually covers surface topics like the weather.

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A close cousin to "hit it off," the phrase "get on like a house on fire" dates back to the 18th century and compares a fast-forming friendship to a rapidly spreading fire.

It describes people who form a strong bond or connection almost immediately after meeting.

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To be "in the same boat" means to share the same problem or challenge with others.

The phrase comes from the idea of people on a ship facing the same risks together, such as storms or other dangers at sea.

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To "chew the fat" is an idiom similar to the previously mentioned "shoot the breeze," meaning to chat casually, often sharing gossip or idle talk.

The phrase evokes the image of jaws moving while speaking, much like chewing, and is associated with swapping stories or news.

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While it might sound a bit ominous to someone unfamiliar with the phrase, to "paint the town red" means to go out and celebrate wildly, often with drinking, dancing, and general revelry.

The expression is believed to have originated in the 1830s, when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends went on a drunken rampage through the English town of Melton Mowbray, literally painting doors and buildings red during their escapades.

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The expression "come out of your shell" is derived from the image of a turtle emerging from its protective shell, which symbolizes shyness or isolation.

When someone comes out of their shell, it means they are becoming more open, confident, and social.

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The phrase "on the same wavelength" means that two people are thinking or feeling the same kind of things.

It originates from radio technology in the 1920s, where being on the same wavelength meant that signals matched perfectly and came through clearly.

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To have a "heart-to-heart" means to share an honest, emotional conversation, usually about personal matters, with someone you trust.

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Wanna speak like a true doctor? Here is some lingo you need to know!

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You don’t need a stethoscope to enjoy this one. Medicine isn’t always all needles and charts; it can have a sense of humor from time to time. Doctors and nurses use some wild expressions that might sound like something out of a sitcom. Here’s a lighthearted look at 16 real phrases from the medical world that are as funny as they are fascinating. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain at what health pros are really saying.

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This one’s not found in a textbook. Can you imagine what it refers to? Some doctors jokingly toss it around when a patient consistently ignores advice. No, it’s not a real condition, but it’s a witty way to say someone might not be making the wisest health choices. Just hope you’re never the focus of it!

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When someone complains their knee flares up every time it rains, doctors might call it "flu in the knee." It’s an informal way of referring to osteoarthritis, a condition where joints feel swollen, stiff, or achy, often affected by the weather.

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When doctors say "bug juice," they’re not talking about any special drink. It’s a playful nickname for antibiotics, the medicine that fights bacterial infections. Think of it like pest control for your body; it chases off the microscopic troublemakers.

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This grim phrase refers to someone with severe burns. It’s dark humor, often used by emergency responders or burn unit teams. While it’s not said in front of patients, it reflects the emotional armor healthcare workers sometimes need to face a challenging day at work.

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Usually, CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. But in healthcare banter, you might hear someone joke about Chronic Biscuit Toxicity: Just a humorous nod to carrying a few extra pounds. It’s not meant to offend, just to bring some levity into a pretty tough profession.

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Healthcare teams sometimes gather to dissect what went wrong in a tough situation. When that meeting turns into finger-pointing, it becomes a "blamestorm." It's a real workplace phenomenon, you just don’t want to be there!

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In medicine, a "yellow submarine" doesn’t play Beatles tunes. It actually refers to a patient with jaundice. This condition turns the skin and eyes yellow due to liver issues. It’s serious, but the nickname helps lighten the mood.

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Nope, not the one in your computer. In surgical slang, this phrase refers to operations that start but can’t be completed, when they have to close things up and send the patient for a second opinion. It’s medicine’s version of "well, we tried." How crazy is that?

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Pulmonologists—doctors who specialize in lungs and breathing—sometimes get called "snot docs." It’s a playful jab at their constant battles with mucus, coughs, and all things respiratory. Gross? Maybe. Necessary? Definitely!

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A doughnut in medical slang isn’t a treat (they wish!) It’s a CT scanner. The machine’s big, round shape gives it the nickname. Patients lie down and slide through the "hole" to get detailed body images. Sprinkles are not included, though, sorry!

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In hospital lingo, a "white cloud" is someone who seems to bring good luck—calm shifts, easy cases, and no major emergencies. If you’re a white cloud, your coworkers might wish you’d come to work every day.

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This one’s a little spicy. A "noctor" is a nurse who’s acting like a doctor—giving advice or making calls beyond their role. It's usually said behind the scenes, and while it’s not the nicest nickname, it reflects the tension that can sometimes bubble up in high-stress settings.