mâchouiller

Senses

1. 1.

   to chew

   to work food in the mouth with the teeth; to masticate

2. 2.

   to mumble; to mutter

   to speak indistinctly or unclearly, often while chewing or smoking

3. 3.

   to chew on; to gnaw

   to bite or work at something repeatedly with the teeth

Examples

• "Il mâchouille son cigare tout en réfléchissant."

  He chews on his cigar while thinking.

• "Elle mâchouille ses paroles, on ne comprend rien."

  She mumbles her words; we don't understand anything.

• "Le chien mâchouille l'os avec plaisir."

  The dog gnaws contentedly on the bone.

Usage

Informal and colloquial verb. Often used to describe chewing or gnawing, especially in a somewhat desultory or contemplative manner. When applied to speech, conveys indistinct or mumbled utterance. Close to mâcher but more emphatic or repetitive in tone.