How Do You Spell CHOW CHOW?

Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈa͡ʊ t͡ʃˈa͡ʊ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "chow chow" can be a bit confusing due to its repeated use of the same letters. The correct pronunciation of this word is /tʃaʊ tʃaʊ/, which can help clarify its spelling. The first "chow" is spelled with a "ch" to represent the voiceless palato-alveolar affricate sound at the beginning of the word, while the second "chow" is spelled with a "ch" to represent the same sound at the end of the word. So, despite the repeated letters, the spelling of "chow chow" accurately represents its two distinct sounds.

CHOW CHOW Meaning and Definition

1. Chow chow refers to multiple meanings, making it a term with diverse interpretations depending on the context. Primarily, "chow chow" can be used to describe a breed of dog, originating from China, known for its distinctive appearance and temperament. Chow chows are muscular, medium-sized dogs with a thick double coat, a broad head, and a distinctive blue-black tongue. They are renowned for their independent nature, loyalty, and aloofness towards strangers but can be devoted and protective of their owners.

   In a culinary context, "chow chow" refers to a type of relish or pickled relish that is commonly used as a condiment or accompaniment to meals. It typically consists of a mixture of pickled vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and green tomatoes, combined with vinegar, sugar, and various spices such as mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Chow chow relish is often tangy, slightly sweet, and provides a burst of flavors that can complement a variety of dishes, including hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, sausages, or grilled meats.

   Additionally, in some cultures, "chow chow" may also refer to a gambling game played with dice or a Chinese game similar to solitaire. However, these meanings are less widely known or used compared to the breed of dog or the culinary relish.

2. A Chinese sweetmeat; a kind of mixed pickles.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CHOW CHOW

• xhow chow
• vhow chow
• fhow chow
• dhow chow
• cgow chow
• cbow chow
• cnow chow
• cjow chow
• cuow chow
• cyow chow
• chiw chow
• chkw chow
• chlw chow
• chpw chow
• ch0w chow
• ch9w chow
• choq chow
• choa chow
• chos chow

Etymology of CHOW CHOW

The word "chow chow" has a somewhat uncertain etymology, but there are a few theories:

1. Chinese Origin: One theory suggests that the term "chow chow" is derived from the pidgin English word "chow-chow", which was used by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century to refer to miscellaneous items. It is believed to have originated from a Chinese word for "mixed" or "assorted". This explanation refers to the habit of labeling pickled relish jars with the name "chow-chow" in the United States, which eventually became associated with the relish itself.

2. Indian Origin: Another theory posits that "chow chow" comes from the Indian word "chayote", which refers to a type of squash or vegetable.

Similar spelling words for CHOW CHOW

• couch,
• choo-choo,
• coach,
• chowchow,
• church,
• choice,
• chow.

Plural form of CHOW CHOW is CHOW CHOWS