The phrase "shovelled it in" refers to the act of consuming food rapidly and voraciously. There are many different synonyms for this phrase, each with its own connotations and nuances. Some common synonyms include gobbled up, wolfed down, scarfed, devoured, gulped, and munched. Each of these words implies a certain level of urgency or intensity, suggesting that the person eating is in a rush or very hungry. Other synonyms for "shovelled it in" include polished off, finished off, crammed, and stuffed, which suggest that the person has completely consumed all the food in front of them, often to the point of discomfort. Ultimately, the choice of synonym depends on the specific context and desired tone of the sentence.