A MEAL FOR YOUR BRAIN

Only A Smart Cookie Will Know These 10 Food-Inspired Idioms

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A cookbook isn't the only type of book that can make you hungry: We guarantee that at least one of the ten idioms on this list will make your stomach rumble. While you might expect these idioms to mostly involve eating, they prove that food is an incredibly versatile linguistic resource.

These are ten of the most interesting and down-right baffling food-related idioms we could find. Looking for something fun to say at the dinner table? Keep on reading and enjoy!

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We’ll start with one of the most baffling ones. In case you are not familiar with this idiom, to "bring home the bacon" means to be the top earner in a society or organization, whether in your job or family. Why this particular cut of pork symbolizes earning a decent living remains a mystery.

The origins of this idiom are not completely clear. Many state that it comes from an English tradition that dates back to at least the 12th century, on which a local couple was awarded a flinch of bacon for their devotion. However, most historians agree its modern use comes from a 1906 boxing match between Joe Gans and ‘Battling’ Oliver Nelson: Before the match, Gans' mother sent him a telegram urging him to win the fight and "bring home the bacon".

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This one is rather self-explanatory. One of the defining features of a good pancake (which applies to pretty much all pancakes, given how delicious they are) is its flatness. After all, one of the most enjoyable things to do with a plate of pancakes is to stack them on top of each other before eating a massive multi-layered piece.

In that sense, since this idiom’s meaning is abundantly clear, it is particularly hard to trace back its origins. Most linguists agree it arose simply from common usage, owing to the widespread popularity of pancakes as a breakfast choice.

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The first derogatory idiom in this list, this phrase is typically uttered by disgruntled mothers complaining about their teenager’s lack of physical activity. If you happened to enjoy lazing on a Sunday afternoon indoors watching your favorite movie, then you were at risk of being called a "couch potato" by discontented parents.

This idiom is closely associated with excessive television watching. One possible origin can be traced to a 1979 article published in the LA Times, which talked about "Couch Potatoes who will be lying on couches watching television". Another theory states that the first appearance of this idiom was in a '70s comic book about two anthropomorphized potatoes lazying on a couch.

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You might think being called "cheesy" would be as derogatory as being labeled a "couch potato", but let’s face it: There’s something charming about a particularly corny, cheesy one-liner. The term 'cheesy' describes anything that is overly sappy or romantic, to the point of being either extremely off-putting or weirdly endearing.

The origins of this idiom are obscure. While we don’t have a definitive answer, some believe that it comes from the 20th century, in which cheap or tacky things were considered appalling and shocking, in the same way that some types of cheese have unpleasant odors.

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This idiom sounds slightly goofy, doesn’t it? Especially when you consider its meaning, which refers to something particularly difficult to understand or solve. For example, let’s say that Sherlock Holmes leaned over a trail of notes and, after taking a long drag from his pipe, said "This is a hard nut to crack." Don’t you feel this would make the image of the world’s most famous detective a little sillier?

But the truth is, this idiom makes perfect sense: Some nuts are particularly hard to crack open. In that sense, the origins of this idiom seem only logical and are rather hard to trace. However, some believe that the first recorded use of this phrase comes from none other than Benjamin Franklin: Apparently, this Founding Father used it in a letter written in 1755.

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Have you ever had some chocolate chip cookies and thought "These are the brainiest and wittiest snacks I ever had"? Of course, you haven’t- no one has. While delicious, cookies are not particularly known for being smart (And for that matter, no food is known for its intelligence), so the origins of the idiom "one smart cookie" are not as clear-cut as we would like.

However, while we can’t give you a definitive answer, most linguists agree that this idiom comes from America during "the Roaring Twenties". According to this theory, the term "cookie" was used to describe someone particularly delightful and sweet, as you would expect from this sugary snack. Therefore, a smart cookie is someone who is not only appealing and lovely, but who also shines through its intelligence.

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Is it really surprising that pancakes made it to this list twice? They are the quintessential breakfast comfort food and have evolved into an American cultural icon. Bearing that in mind, this next idiom perfectly capitalizes on pancakes' popularity: Whenever something is extremely successful and profitable, you can say it is "selling like hot cakes".

Apparently, this idiom comes from church bake sales: Known as "hot cakes" or "Johnny cakes", these pancakes sold extremely fast since they were much better eaten hot. This phrase can be traced back to at least the 1830s when it was used in an article published in The Buffalo Bulletin.

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This one seems to come straight from the world of "Snow White". This fairy tale princess is not the only one who should be wary of apples, at least according to this idiom. You might be surprised to learn that the phrase "one bad apple" is actually an abridged version of another idiom, which states "One bad apple spoils the whole barrel".

This is rather interesting because, in modern times, this idiom is used to signify that the actions of a single individual don’t reflect the actions of the rest: A single "bad apple" is not a faithful representative. However, what’s curious is that this idiom’s original intent seems to suggest the exact opposite, and it rather describes how someone’s bad behavior can influence everyone in a group.

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This idiom is a rather roundabout way to suggest that someone is pregnant. The imagery is quite clear: In this picture, the "bun" represents the baby growing metaphorically in the "oven" that is a woman’s womb. Should you want to tell someone about a pregnancy while avoiding the ears of a noisy child listening, this phrase is perfect for you.

Curiously, the very first recorded use of this idiom comes from literature. In his 1951 novel The Cruel Sea, British author Nicholas Monserrat uses this phrase to describe the pregnancy of a sailor’s wife.

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We’ll end with what we believe to be the most interesting origin story in this list. The idiom "to butter someone up" means to flatter and treat someone nicely, often with an ulterior motive. At first glance this phrase is utterly flabbergasting: How could covering someone with this greasy milk product award you anything but their contempt? However, many historians suggest it might actually originate from an ancient Indian custom.

According to this theory, many believers throw balls of ghee (a type of clarified butter used in Indian cooking) at the statues of Hindu gods to gain their favor. While this origin has not been completely confirmed, it appears this literal act may have inspired the popular idiom.

LANGUAGE TIME MACHINE

You Won't Believe What These 10 Words Meant in The Past

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We all know something for sure: change is inevitable. Not only do people, landscapes, and habits change, but words and their definitions also change**.** What if we told you that "girl" once meant "boy" too? That's right, some of the words you might use every day have had completely different meanings in the past! Words like "girl," "villain," "garbage," and "cheater" are just a few examples of terms with surprising histories and evolving identities.

If you're curious, join us as we explore the fascinating evolution of these 10 English terms that used to have different meanings than they do today!

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Some say that a little silliness might actually be linked to happiness; what do you think? Well, the origin of the word "silly" seems to support this idea.

This funny word, often used affectionately or as a joke to those we love, has an interesting history. Sources suggest that "silly" originally comes from the Old English sǣlig, which meant "happy" or "blessed." Over time, its meaning gradually shifted towards "innocence," possibly due to an association with a common childhood trait.

But the evolution of its meaning didn't stop there. By the Middle Ages, "silly" had transitioned from "innocence" to "harmlessness," then to "simplicity," and eventually to "foolishness." Quite a journey for a single word!

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Whether you've been caught cheating or you've stumbled upon a cheater, this word has caused chaos - in one way or another - in almost everyone's life. But things were quite different a few centuries ago.

In the 14th century, the Old French term escheater referred to a specific job: the person responsible for managing the King's escheats. This role became crucial when the King had no heirs, as the escheater would oversee the transfer of property and goods. Due to the nature of this task, people often suspected the escheater's integrity.

Later shortened to "cheater," the word evolved with the centuries, and the meaning was metaphorically extended to label anyone dishonest or deceitful. But here's an interesting twist: the "infidelity" undertones we now link with the term were not introduced until the 20th century!

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What do you call your loved one? "Honey," "darling," "sweetheart"? What about "bully"? If that last option surprises you, just wait until you hear that term's history!

It is believed that "bully" originated from the Dutch boel, meaning "lover" or "brother." Back in the 16th century, it was an endearing term in English, similar to "sweetheart" or "fine fellow." However, as the century drew to a close, its sense had changed to a more negative one.

Some sources suggest that this shift in meaning may have stemmed from the term "bully-ruffian," which designated a protector or bodyguard who often used force or threats. This association gradually transformed "bully" into a term connoting someone who harasses or intimidates others, leading to its modern negative meaning.

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Although some people have tried to separate beauty from intellect, the word "pretty" has brought these two qualities together throughout its evolution.

Many sources trace the origins of this widely used term to the late Old English word prættig, associated with qualities like cunning and cleverness. By the 15th century, "pretty" had come to mean "clever" or "skillful" and used to define both people and meticulously crafted objects.

By the 16th century, "pretty" had begun to resemble its modern meaning, as it was used to represent charming women and children. Its current link to physical beauty was already strong by the 18th century.

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Language evolution can be quite a spectacle, with some changes being more drastic and noticeable than others.

That is the case with "awful." This word's journey began with the Old English egefull, a mix of "ege" (meaning "dread" or "fear") and "full." Originally, it described things that inspired both fear and awe or reverence. Just imagine saying "awful" when you're in the presence of something truly awe-inspiring!

During the Middle Ages, the term was linked with the dread of divine punishment, which dominated the beliefs of the time. Starting to solidify in the 18th century, the negative connotation stuck, though its meaning shifted over the years. By the 19th century, the word was already associated with unpleasantness, much like we use it today.

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Despite being a common and ordinary word, "garbage" has a rich history you may not have heard about. Its origins are not entirely clear, but it is believed to come from the Anglo-French word garbage, which referred to the waste parts of poultry. While the word has always had some relation to waste, its original meaning was much more specific (and, let's face it, a bit more gross). First recorded in the 15th century, Middle English _garbage (_or gabage) referred to the discarded parts of any type of animal left over after food preparation.

Over time, its definition broadened. By the 16th century, the word encompassed other kinds of kitchen residues. Finally, by the 19th century, "garbage" was already being used to designate any type of household waste, whether from food preparation or not.

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Would you believe us if we told you that, in the past, "girl" could mean "boy" too? Yes, it's true! While it might feel like "Hey, girl!" has been around forever, the word has a fascinating history with a twist you probably didn't see coming.

It likely originated from the Anglo-Saxon word gerle (also girle or gurle). Back in the 1200s to 1330s, "girl" was used to refer to any child or very young person, regardless of gender. However, it wasn't until the late 14th century that "girl" started to become more specifically associated with female children.

By the 15th century, the term "girl" had started to include young adult women, particularly those who were unmarried. As usually happens with language, this evolution has continued to the present day.

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If you're hoping to spark someone's interest, here's a fun fact that can add an exciting touch to your flirting game: the word "flirt" has been around longer than you might think.

Its roots can be traced back to the Old French fleureter, which meant "to say sweet nonsense" or "to touch something in passing." In the 16th century, the English "flirt" was used to mean "to throw with a sudden movement" or "to move in short and quick flights." Both the Old French and 16th-century English meanings suggest something done quickly and subtly, much like throwing a playful joke at the person you like.

By the 18th century, "flirt" was used to describe a person who behaves in a playful way towards others, already very close to the present meaning.

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It's true that bad guys inhabit both the fictional and real worlds, but what could villains and farmers have in common?

Believe it or not, "villain" has roots in the Latin word villanus, which referred to a villager or farm worker. This connection derives from the Latin villam, meaning farm. In the Middle Ages, the term evolved under French influence into vilain, specifically denoting those who worked the land.

Like many words, this was not immune to the influence of economic and social factors. The economically dominant class started using the term in a certain pejorative sense, associating it with what they perceived as less refined manners. Over time, this pejorative sense of the word intensified, and by the Renaissance, "villain" had evolved to denote "bad behavior," regardless of the person's class or occupation. This gradual shift culminated in the meaning we recognize today, synonymous with the iconic Joker or the dreaded Cruella de Vil!

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Today, the role of a secretary often involves handling busy schedules, managing paperwork, and interacting with employees and clients. However, its historical roots indicate a more literal significance.

"Secretary" originates from the Latin secretarius, meaning "confidant." Thus, in ancient Rome, a secretarius was someone tasked with keeping secrets or handling confidential information, a role that also resonates with the duties of modern secretaries!

By the Middle Ages, the term "secretary" in English had already evolved to refer to someone concerned with managing records or correspondence. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that its definition expanded to encompass different types of administrative work.