The phrase "chews the scenery" means to overact or exaggerate a performance in a dramatic way. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down phonetically as /tʃuz ðə ˈskini/. The "ch" sound is pronounced like a "t" and "sh" combined, and the "ew" sound is pronounced like "oo". The word "scenery" is pronounced with a soft "c" sound, like an "s" (/ˈsinəri/). This phrase is often used in theater and film to describe a performer who is being overly dramatic or hamming up their role.
The phrase "chews the scenery" typically refers to a person, often an actor or performer, who exaggerates or overacts their role to an extreme extent, often with great enthusiasm or melodrama. This idiom characterizes a person who hogs the attention or dominates a particular scene or performance by being excessively dramatic or showy.
When someone "chews the scenery," they tend to overemphasize their gestures, facial expressions, and vocal delivery, grabbing the audience's attention and often overshadowing other performers or elements of the production. This expression suggests that the person's portrayal or performance is overly theatrical, lacking subtlety and nuance.
Originating from the world of theater, this phrase is derived from the metaphorical idea of an actor gnawing on the scenery, treating the stage set as if it were edible. It implies that the person is so consumed by their role that they figuratively devour their surroundings, attracting attention and leaving a lasting impression through exaggerated actions.
While "chewing the scenery" sometimes carries a negative connotation, suggesting an over-the-top performance, it can also be used in a positive context to describe memorable or standout acting that captivates and amuses the audience.