To have an aimless conversation or spend time chatting or gossiping.
Etymology / Origin
It is believed that the phrase originates from the comparison between jaw movements during chewing and speaking.2
According to other sources, the phrase comes from sailors chewing bacon during their conversations during their leisure time on ships, as well as from British farmers chewing smoked pork during their conversations in their free time.
There are other theories, but none are supported by evidence.
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