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"feat" is something that adds value to product's end users. The things we put on release notes. "chore" is something that adds value to the engineering team. The things we have to do to keep being productive.

feat is just the short form of feature; chore is for annoying stuff like fixing lint issues or maybe package updates that don't require any code changes etc... those are the little chores we do to keep everything flowing.

It is irrational, but "feat" tells me the change is a marvel, something to be looked at. Webster says "an act or product of skill". Nah, it's a feature. "feat" sounds pompous. Shout it from the rooftops: everyone, this is a feat! Not a small feat. Aah. Feat.

"chore" is too vague for me. A "feat" can be a "chore" if I don't want to work on it. "chore"-s like the one you describe are occasionally feats (the no-quote kind).

Oh well.

What else would you suggest? Maybe “new” and “toil”