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.
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' and 'futtern' can both mean that someone takes in food. 'essen' is neutral and fits in almost any situation. 'futtern' is colloquial and sounds casual. With people, it often means that someone eats with appetite, eats a lot, or eats with enjoyment. In serious or formal situations, you should use 'essen'. 'futtern' is more suitable among friends or in a relaxed everyday situation.
Nach der langen Wanderung futtern die Kinder ihre Brote im Bus.
After the long hike, the children chow down on their sandwiches on the bus.
Wir essen heute vor dem Training nur etwas Leichtes.
Today we're only eating something light before training.