Is it chomping or champing at the bit?

Question

I'm having a small debate on this and would be grateful for some clarification.
Thanks

I'm having a small debate on this and would be grateful for some clarification.
Thanks

Thanks guys and girls - that has been really helpful - I think I'm going to start using Champing at the bit and stick with the majority of people.

Answer 1

“Champing at the bit” is a colloquialisms

If someone is eager or anxious to do something, they are said to be “Champing at the bit” - not Chomping

The word champing - is defined as the strong opening and closing action of the mouth which produces sounds when the teeth hit together, more particularly used in reference to animals.

I believe the origins of the saying come from the horse fraternity, where a horse champing on the bit is anxious to get away – my belief is that the horse is more anxious to get the bit out of its mouths.

Answer 2

Chomping At The Bit

Answer 3

It's champing but more people now say chomping because they are more familiar with the word.

Answer 4

I think it's chomping, for the same horse reason the others are saying champing. If a horse is chomping his teeth to get the bit out, it should be chomping at the bit. Haven't you heard teeth referred to as chompers?? Chomping.

Later. I did some research on this, and apparently both sayings are correct. Might be regional preferences.

Answer 5

I'll just go and check it.... no, actually, it's laid in the corner asleep...

More seriously, I think both are possible, but I'd more naturally say 'chomping'- if I said 'champing', it would feel a little bit more emphatic, don't you agree?

Answer 6

Either one will do, but "chomping' is a bit more colloquial or even regional than "champing." If you're writing it in an essay, use "champing."

Answer 7

Champing at the bit!!

Answer 8

It's "champing at the bit," but it's pronounced like "chomping."

Answer 9

it's 'champing'

Answer 10

its champing