The phrase "chew the rag" means to talk in a leisurely and lengthy manner, usually about trivial matters. The antonyms for this phrase include being silent or taciturn, refusing to engage in idle conversation. One can also remain succinct when communicating, using as few words as possible. Alternatively, one could opt for meaningful conversations, discussing serious and important topics. The opposite of "chewing the rag" would be to engage in productive activities such as reading, writing, or engaging in physical exercise rather than indulging in small talk. While "chewing the rag" can be a enjoyable pastime, sometimes it's better to engage in meaningful and fruitful activities instead.