chewing-gum

A child blows a large pink bubble with chewing-gum.

Definition

1. Noun (countable and uncountable):
   • A type of sweetened, flavored substance for chewing: "chewing-gum" is a soft, sticky confection made from a gum base, sweeteners, and flavorings, designed to be chewed but not swallowed. It is often used to freshen breath or as a recreational habit.

Usage Examples

• (A single portion of the confection.)
• (Using the gum to create a bubble by blowing air into it.)
• (The product is available in various tastes.)

Advanced Usage

• "to stick like chewing-gum": to adhere persistently or become annoyingly attached.

  • That old rumor sticks like chewing-gum to everyone who hears it. (The rumor clings stubbornly and is hard to remove.)

• "chewing-gum for the mind": a metaphorical phrase for trivial or mindless entertainment.

  • Some reality TV shows are just chewing-gum for the mind — they offer no real substance. (They provide low-value amusement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chew (verb): to bite and grind with the teeth.
  • He had to chew the steak carefully because it was tough. (To masticate food.)
• Chewy (adjective): requiring or having a texture that needs chewing.
  • The candy was very chewy and stuck to my teeth. (It had a sticky, resilient texture.)
• Gum (noun, shortened form): a colloquial term for chewing-gum.
  • Can I have a stick of gum? (A piece of chewing-gum.)

Synonyms

• Bubble gum: a specific type of chewing-gum designed to be blown into bubbles.
  • She prefers bubble gum because it makes bigger bubbles. (A variety with higher elasticity.)
• Chewing confection: a formal term for any chewable candy, including gum.
  • The store sells various chewing confections. (Products meant for chewing.)

Related Idioms

• Chew the fat (or chew the rag): to chat informally.

  • We sat around chewing the fat for hours. (We engaged in casual conversation.)

• Chew on something: to think about something carefully.

  • Give me a minute to chew on your proposal. (To consider it thoroughly.)

Note: These idioms use "chew" but not "chewing-gum" directly; they are related through the verb's association with oral activity.