While the exact origin is unclear, it likely stems from the image of someone relentlessly talking, like a dog chewing on a bone. This image conjures up the annoyance and persistence of someone who just won't stop talking.
Here's a breakdown of its potential origins:
* Literal chewing: The phrase might have originated from the literal act of chewing, where someone would bite and gnaw at something persistently. This could be extended to the idea of someone "biting" at your ear with their words, constantly speaking and not letting you get a word in edgewise.
* Animal imagery: Dogs are often known to chew on bones for extended periods, making them a fitting image for someone who talks nonstop. This connection strengthens the idea of "chewing" your ear off, portraying the speaker as relentless and persistent.
* Emphasis on annoyance: The "chewing" imagery emphasizes the annoyance of being subjected to constant chatter. It implies that the speaker is not only talking a lot, but doing so in a way that is bothersome and tiring.
Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase "chew your ear off" is a vivid and effective way to describe someone who talks too much. It conveys the listener's sense of annoyance and exhaustion from being subjected to an unrelenting barrage of words.