Meaning and Usage
"狼吞虎咽" (lángtūn-hǔyàn) is a vivid Chinese idiom describing the act of eating very quickly and greedily, as if swallowing like a wolf and a tiger. It often implies a lack of manners or care in eating, sometimes due to hunger or hurry.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used to describe someone eating in a rush, such as during a busy workday or after a long wait. It can also carry a slightly negative tone, suggesting the eater is not savoring the food or is being somewhat rude.
Collocations and Patterns
- 狼吞虎咽地吃饭: to eat greedily and quickly
- 狼吞虎咽地喝汤: to gulp down soup
- 狼吞虎咽地冲出: to rush out hastily (used metaphorically)
Usage Tips
Use this idiom when you want to emphasize the speed and eagerness of eating, especially when it looks a bit messy or impolite. Avoid using it in formal dining contexts or to praise someone's refined eating habits.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 狼吞虎咽 with simply "吃得快" (eat fast). 狼吞虎咽 emphasizes the voracious, almost animal-like manner of eating, not just speed.