expression
food before romance; fair words fill not the belly
Proverb meaning that practical needs like food take priority over romantic or aesthetic pursuits. Often used humorously when someone chooses eating over dating or appearance.
デートよりランチが大事。色気より食い気だね。
Lunch is more important than a date. Food before romance, right?
彼はいつも色気より食い気で、休日は食べ歩きばかりしている。
He always puts food before romance, spending his days off just eating out.
Similar proverb meaning 'dumplings over flowers,' emphasizing practicality over aesthetics. 色気より食い気 specifically contrasts romantic/sexual appeal with appetite for food.
A Japanese proverb combining 色気 (romantic/sexual appeal) and 食い気 (appetite, desire to eat), literally 'appetite over sex appeal.' The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural trope of prioritizing sustenance over romance.