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The expression CHEW THE FAT describes indulgence by one or more people in idle talk or telling tall tales.

The expression has its origins in the experience aboard early sailing ships. Because of the problem inherent in preserving food for a long journey, food was most often salted so that it would not spoil. One special food liked by sailors then was salted pork. With the scarcity of food aboard ship, every part of the salted pork was eaten and relished, even the skin. The skin was given to the crew, and they would chew on the tough skin, especially the fatty portions. While chewing the fat, the sailors would attempt conversation, mumbling phrases, most probably cursing their fate or the awful food on board. Sailors being sailors, many of these occasions probably morphed into tall tale sessions.