Things that shouldn't piss you off, but do.

There’s Only One Styrofoam™
(and it’s not a cup)

When people hear the word “Styrofoam,” they often think of foam cups, fast food containers or packaging. But construction professionals know better. Unlike the expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam that’s used to make disposable containers, DuPont™ Styrofoam™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Insulation is a high-performance, closed cell foam used to insulate homes and buildings. That closed cell structure is what gives Styrofoam™ Brand the thermal protection and moisture resistance that help buildings stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer and dry year-round.

Now that you know there’s only one Styrofoam™ Brand – and it’s not a cup – what should you call those white foam cups, containers, coolers and packages? EPS, polystyrene or foam are all accurate terms to describe EPS material. Styrofoam™ is an entirely different material – a rigid board insulation invented in 1941, trademarked and, until a major reformulation in late 2023, known for its distinctive blue color. The newest generation of Styrofoam™ Brand XPS is now produced in grey, signifying its low global warming potential formulation.

You can see it, can’t you? There’s the racehorse in the starting gate. He’s hoofing the ground. He’s whinnying. He’s chomping on his bit impatiently waiting for the starting gun to fire…

But the problem is, “chomping at the bit” isn’t the correct expression. The second problem is that “champing” and “chomping” are so incredibly close, this distinction is confusing in itself.

“Champing at the bit” means to chew anxiously at the bit, or the mouthpiece. The word “champing” has nothing to do with the fact that this may or may not be a champ (as in “champion”) racehorse. “Champing” is an old word that’s been around since the 14th century. The problem for this expression is that “champing” is pretty much non-existent in contemporary English—outside of this phrase, of course. Oh, and “champing” and “chomping” stem from the same Middle English word chammen, which became champen.

“Champing at the bit,” when used figuratively rather than literally—forget the actual horses—means to be eager to start or to be anxious to get moving.

“Chomping” also deals with biting down, but it usually has to do with eating. The horses aren’t stress-eating their bits. “Champing” at a bit is more akin to gnashing teeth.

This mistake is so common that some call it a normalized usage. You might be able to get away with “chomping” when you’re speaking or in casual use; however, if you’re going to be using this expression in your communications—whether in an email or a book manuscript—it’s always best to use the correct form to avoid looking ignorant.

Ignorance about the sport of kings never is a good thing.

Admittedly, the correct form of this expression might be one of the few details I know about horse-racing, but I’m calling it a win. Maybe not something for the winner’s circle, but a victory nonetheless.