Meaning:
The proverb "have a bun in the oven" is a playful way to refer to someone
being pregnant.
Background:
Its origin is traced back to the 17th century when pregnant women were often
humorously compared to "baking a bun" due to the similarity of their growing
bellies to a rising loaf of bread in an oven.
There are a couple of plausible explanations for the phrase's origin. One
theory suggests that it might have stemmed from the observation that pregnant
women's stomachs become round and swollen, resembling the shape of a loaf of
bread while it rises during the baking process. Another theory proposes that
it relates to pregnant women's cravings for carbohydrates, such as bread,
during their pregnancy.
Regardless of the precise origin, the phrase has stood the test of time and
remains in common use today as a more light-hearted and affectionate way to
talk about pregnancy. Friends and family members often use it to congratulate
expectant mothers or to add a touch of playfulness to discussions about their
condition.
- englishdaily626.com [edited]
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On the mat, one meets people from all walks of life with all kinds of crazy
ideas. Alicia and I are the same level and trained together often. Young,
athletic, and intense, she used to compete a lot and unlike many girls, she
wrestles regularly with men and does not hesitate to use force in sparring.
A few weeks ago, I was shocked to learn that she was pregnant. She didn't look
any different. We must be careful rolling, I said first and then added she must
be doing it to coach her fetus, to give it a head start in grappling. What love
and what sacrifice! We laughed but the idea rang true.
Sunday morning, I felt groggy from a so-so sleep and went to the gym to get
beaten up. The mat was full as I stepped in the expansive space. At my heels
came Alicia pushing a stroller. "This is Kenny," she said, pointing to the baby
inside. "He's two and was the first bun in the oven."
