chewing out
Verbal dressing down
A chewing out is a harsh verbal reprimand, the kind where someone angrily criticizes your actions at length: The sergeant gave the recruit a thorough chewing out.
The phrase comes from the verb phrase chew out, meaning to scold severely: My boss chewed me out for missing the deadline.
Less vulgar than its synonym, ass-chewing.
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- upbraidingCriticizing someone sharply
reading the riot act · chastise · scolding · dressing down · lecture · tongue-lashing · pick apart · knock · earful · workplace conflict · sports coaching · military orders · reprehension · classroom management · objurgate · telling off · ripping into · roasting
- tiradestirades, tirade, rants, rant, harangues
- verbal fightsargument, quarrel, dispute, confrontation, shouting match
- reproofsscolding, rebuke, reprimand, admonishment, admonition
chewing outpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · lauding · complimenting · congratulating · applauding
chewing outkind words
constructive criticism · soft-pedaling · letting off easy · sugarcoating · quiet word
chewing outpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · compliment · accolade · lauding · applause