messy eater
/ˈmɛsi ˈiːtər/
Meaning
A 'messy eater' is someone who frequently spills food, drops crumbs, or gets sauces on their face or clothes while eating. This term is often used to describe toddlers, but it can also playfully or critically describe adults who are not very neat at the table. It is casual and usually harmless, though it can sometimes express mild annoyance.
Examples
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My toddler is such a messy eater; there's always more food on the floor than in his mouth.
My toddler is such a messy eater; there's always more food on the floor than in his mouth.
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Be careful with that spaghetti sauce if you're a messy eater.
Be careful with that spaghetti sauce if you're a messy eater.
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I need to wear a napkin over my shirt because I'm a notoriously messy eater.
I need to wear a napkin over my shirt because I'm a notoriously messy eater.
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He is a bit of a messy eater, so don't take him to a fancy restaurant for your first date.
He is a bit of a messy eater, so don't take him to a fancy restaurant for your first date.
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Our dog loves sitting under the high chair because the baby is a messy eater.
Our dog loves sitting under the high chair because the baby is a messy eater.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is a dirty eater.
✓ He is a messy eater.
'Dirty' implies unhygienic or gross behavior, whereas 'messy' simply means untidy or prone to accidental spills.
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✗ I eat very messy.
✓ I am a messy eater.
'Messy' is an adjective, so it cannot modify the verb 'eat' directly. You must use the noun phrase 'messy eater' or the adverb 'messily'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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My little brother is a ___ who always gets chocolate all over his face.
💡 A person who is untidy and drops food while eating.
Show answer
messy eater
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Since you are such a ___, you probably shouldn't wear a white shirt to eat ramen.
💡 Someone who frequently stains their clothes or drops crumbs.
Show answer
messy eater