Chew the fat

The idiom “chew the fat” is a colloquial expression that means to have a casual conversation or chat with someone. It’s often used in a friendly or informal setting to describe engaging in light-hearted or leisurely discussions. The origin of this Idiom is believed to come from sailors in the 19th century who would pass the time by chewing on tough, salted fat from their rations while talking with each other. This act of chewing on fat while conversing eventually led to the phrase “chew the fat” to describe chatting or gossiping during breaks.
When someone says, “Let’s chew the fat,” they are suggesting a relaxed and informal conversation where people can share stories, exchange news, or simply catch up with each other. It’s a way to indicate a laid-back and enjoyable interaction without any specific agenda or serious topics.