Fletcherize

/ˈflɛtʃəˌraɪz/ verb

Definition

To chew food thoroughly and extensively, following the practice of Fletcherism; to masticate food many times before swallowing.

Etymology

From 'Fletcher' (the originator) plus the '-ize' suffix (meaning to cause or practice). This verb was coined during the early 1900s health craze to describe the specific eating practice.

Kelly Says

The word 'fletcherize' actually appeared in major dictionaries by the 1920s—it was significant enough that people thought this guy's chewing method deserved its own verb. That's how much he influenced health culture, even though most of his specific claims turned out to be exaggerated.

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