The phrase "chews up scenery" is often used to describe an actor who overacts or dominates a scene. The spelling of "chews" is pronounced as /tʃuːz/ using IPA phonetic transcription. The "ch" sound in "chews" is a voiceless palato-alveolar affricate, pronounced with the tongue against the palate and the blade of the tongue against the teeth. The "u" sound is a long vowel, pronounced with a stretched out sound. Together, the word reflects the theatrical nature of the phrase and its dramatic meaning.
The phrase "chews up scenery" is an idiomatic expression primarily used in the context of acting or performance. It refers to an actor or actress who delivers an extremely exaggerated, flamboyant, or over-the-top portrayal of a character, often overshadowing the other actors and stealing the spotlight. When someone "chews up scenery," they draw excessive attention to themselves through melodramatic gestures, excessive gestures, or dramatic facial expressions.
This expression originates from the visual image of a person intensely gnawing at pieces of scenery (such as props or furniture) while on stage. It implies that the actor is devouring the set pieces with their exaggerated performance, leaving nothing for the others to work with. Consequently, their overacting can disrupt the overall flow of a scene or even the entire production.
The phrase "chews up scenery" is often used in a negative or critical sense to describe acting that is perceived as self-indulgent, hammy, or attention-seeking. It suggests a lack of subtlety or nuance in the performance, as the actor's exaggerated antics overshadow the intended emotional depth or complexity of the character they are portraying. It can also imply that the actor is lacking in skill or control, relying solely on volume and exaggerated movements to make an impact.
Overall, "chews up scenery" is an idiom that vividly captures the idea of an actor overpowering a scene through excessive and overly dramatic performances, detracting from the overall quality of the production.