嘴馋 (zuǐ chán) literally means 'mouth greedy' — 嘴 (zuǐ) is 'mouth', and 馋 (chán) means 'to crave food' or 'to be easily tempted by tasty things'. Together, they describe a strong, often playful or slightly self-deprecating, desire for food — not just hunger, but the kind of urge you feel when you smell freshly baked cookies or see a colorful dessert. It implies sensory attraction (especially sight and smell) and emotional longing, rather than physiological need.

This term is commonly used in informal speech to describe oneself or others in lighthearted contexts — like giving in to temptation, snacking between meals, or being unable to resist sweets. It carries no negative moral judgment; instead, it evokes warmth, familiarity, and human relatability. You’ll hear it in family conversations, food blogs, or casual storytelling — rarely in formal writing or serious discussions about health or nutrition.