The phrase "chewed up scenery" refers to overacting, particularly in theater. It is pronounced /tʃuːdʌp ˈskiːnəri/, with the stressed syllable being the second one in both words. The "ch" sound is pronounced like "tch" in English, while the "oo" sound in "chewed" is pronounced like in "book". The "ed" sound is often reduced to a "d" sound, and the "y" sound in "scenery" is pronounced like "ee". Overall, the spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of this phrase.
Chewed up scenery refers to an idiom used to describe an exaggerated and over-the-top acting performance, particularly in the context of theater or film. The term suggests that the actor's portrayal of their character is excessively dramatic, flamboyant, or artificial, resulting in an unrealistic representation that stands out prominently from the rest of the production.
The phrase "chewed up" refers to the idea that the actor has metaphorically devoured or consumed the surrounding scenery, leaving it in a damaged or disarrayed state. It implies that the actor's performance is so intense and overpowering that it distracts the audience from the overall production, drawing attention to themselves and their exaggerated acting style.
This term often conveys a negative connotation, implying that the actor's performance lacks subtlety, nuance, or authenticity. It suggests that the actor is overacting, hamming it up, or resorting to melodramatic gestures, facial expressions, or vocal inflections that may undermine the intended tone or message of the performance. Chewed up scenery is seen as a departure from naturalistic acting and a failure to strike a balance between realism and artistic expression.
Overall, "chewed up scenery" is a critic's or theatergoer's way of expressing disapproval towards an actor's overly theatrical style, signaling a lack of realism and subtlety in their portrayal.