to chow down / to feed
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to chow down
A colloquial expression for eating, often with a big appetite, enjoyment, or in a casual way.
Nach der langen Wanderung haben wir eine riesige Portion Pommes gefuttert.
After the long hike, we chowed down on a huge portion of fries.
to feed
To give animals food. In this context, it is a neutral term, though still rather colloquial.
Jeden Morgen geht der Bauer in den Stall, um die Schweine zu futtern.
Every morning, the farmer goes into the stable to feed the pigs.
The verb 'futtern' is directly connected with the noun 'das Futter' (animal feed). This explains both meanings: feeding animals and the colloquial eating by humans, often with a big appetite.
Die Kinder helfen gerne, die Kaninchen zu futtern.
The children enjoy helping feed the rabbits.
The meaning is usually clear. If people are the subject, it is an informal way to say 'essen' (to eat). If animals are the object, it means 'füttern' (to feed).
Wir haben uns nach dem Sport mit Pizza vollgefuttert.
After sports, we stuffed ourselves with pizza.
This word is very colloquial and is used only in informal situations, for example with friends or family. It often expresses enjoyment and a casual atmosphere.
Am Abend haben wir auf dem Sofa Chips gefuttert.
In the evening, we chowed down on chips on the sofa.
When 'futtern' means 'Tiere füttern' (to feed animals), it is a transitive verb. The animal that receives food appears as the direct object in the accusative.
Der Zoowärter futtert die Affen jeden Tag um 14 Uhr.
The zookeeper feeds the monkeys every day at 2 p.m.
to eat
Essen is the neutral term for taking in food. Futtern also means to eat, but it is colloquial and often emphasizes a big appetite, enjoyment, or a relaxed manner. Essen is appropriate in a factual statement; in a casual situation, futtern can add a stronger, more laid-back nuance.
Wir futtern in der Pause mit großem Appetit belegte Brote.
We chow down on sandwiches during the break with a big appetite.
Wir essen in der Pause ein belegtes Brot.
We eat a sandwich during the break.
