CHEW SCENERY Meaning and
Definition
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"Chew scenery" is an idiomatic expression often used in theatrical contexts to describe a dramatic or over-the-top performance where an actor excessively and ostentatiously emphasizes and exaggerates their lines and actions, typically in a hammy or flamboyant manner. This phrase originates from the metaphorical act of an actor, in a figurative sense, gnawing on the scenery, meaning that they aggressively and excessively bring attention to themselves in a scene, overpowering others or even the overall production.
When an actor chews scenery, they tend to adopt grandiose and melodramatic gestures, vocal inflections, and facial expressions that may be deliberately exaggerated in order to capture the audience's attention. This excessive showmanship can sometimes be seen as detracting from the overall artistic integrity of a performance, as it can divert focus from the story or the ensemble. However, chewing scenery can also be employed effectively and intentionally for comedic purposes or as a deliberate acting choice to emphasize certain characteristics of a character.
The phrase "chew scenery" is primarily used within the performing arts community, especially in discussions about acting techniques and theatrical performances. It serves as a descriptive term for an actor's outsize and attention-grabbing performance style, often associated with camp, melodrama, or comedic exaggeration.
Common Misspellings for CHEW SCENERY
- xhew scenery
- vhew scenery
- fhew scenery
- dhew scenery
- cgew scenery
- cbew scenery
- cnew scenery
- cjew scenery
- cuew scenery
- cyew scenery
- chww scenery
- chsw scenery
- chdw scenery
- chrw scenery
- ch4w scenery
- ch3w scenery
- cheq scenery
- chea scenery
- ches scenery
- chee scenery
Etymology of CHEW SCENERY
The phrase "chew scenery" is a figurative expression used in the performing arts, specifically in theater and film, to describe an actor's exaggerated or over-the-top performance. The phrase is derived from two separate idiomatic expressions: "chew the scenery" and "chew up the scenery".
The phrase "chew the scenery" likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century and was used to describe actors who displayed dramatic and exaggerated facial expressions or gestures. The term "chew" in this context evokes the action of vigorously or voraciously biting or chewing on something, implying that the actor is excessively consuming or devouring the scenery with their performance.
The addition of "up" in the expression "chew up the scenery" intensifies the notion of actors dominating or overpowering the stage or screen with their exaggerated acting style.
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