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You might have come across the term “Bakers Dozen” in everyday conversation. This reference explores the meaning behind this idiom and includes sections like examples of the phrase in use, and alternative expressions. Exploring these details can help you understand how the phrase is used in different contexts and the variations that exist. This knowledge can enrich your language skills and appreciation for idiomatic expressions.
“Bakers Dozen” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The term “baker’s dozen” refers to a group of thirteen items, particularly baked goods. The phrase originated from a historical practice in which bakers would include an extra item when selling a dozen (twelve) to avoid penalties for selling short weight.
“Bakers Dozen” Meaning
The term “baker’s dozen” refers to a group of thirteen items, typically baked goods, instead of the usual twelve. This practice originated in medieval England, where bakers would include an extra item when selling a dozen to avoid penalties for selling short weight or to ensure that customers received a fair amount.
Examples:
- “I ordered a dozen donuts, but the shop gave me a baker’s dozen—thirteen!”
- “When buying bagels, don’t be surprised if they offer you a baker’s dozen.”
Origin of this Idiomatic Phrase
The idiom has its origins in the 16th century where bakers would add an extra loaf to a dozen in order to raise their profits. The number 13 then became known as a bakers dozen and is still used today to refer to this number.
Usage of “Bakers Dozen”
- In a bakery context:
“When I bought cookies, the shop owner offered me a baker’s dozen for the same price as a dozen.”
- Talking about a promotion:
“During the sale, they were giving away a baker’s dozen of muffins with every purchase.”
- In a casual conversation:
“I baked a dozen cupcakes, but I ended up with a baker’s dozen because I couldn’t resist making one more!”
- Describing a deal:
“If you order a dozen donuts, you’ll get a baker’s dozen, so you’ll have an extra one to enjoy!”
Related Terms to “Bakers Dozen”
- Dozen – a standard quantity of twelve items.
- Extra – an additional item beyond what is normally expected.
- Thirteen – the number that constitutes a baker’s dozen.
- Bonus – something extra or additional, often given as a reward.
- Overage – the amount that exceeds the expected quantity.
- Surplus – an amount that is more than what is needed or expected.
- Assortment – a variety of items, often including additional pieces.
- Sample – a small portion or example of a product, sometimes given as an extra.
- Generous serving – an ample amount of food or items offered.
- Pack of treats – a collection of snacks or baked goods, often including extras.
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
With this term simply referring to a number, there are no other idiomatic ways in which to say it, instead of using the term a bakers dozen, you might simply use the number thirteen itself.
“Bakers Dozen” synonyms list:
- Thirteen
- Dozen plus one
- Set of thirteen
- More than a dozen
- Sum of twelve and one
“Bakers Dozen” Examples
You would use the term “bakers dozen” to simply refer to anything with the quantity of 13. For example you might have thirteen blouses in your closet and when someone asks you how many you have, you might reply with the answer “a bakers dozen.”
Example Sentences
- There’re a baker’s dozen of eggs.
- I was right – a baker’s dozen is 13.
- He bought a baker’s dozen of biscuits.
- To our great surprise, he wrapped a baker’s dozen inside.
- There are a baker’s dozen recognized breeds and several “unofficial ones”.
- The grocer of whom she bought these apples gave her a baker’s dozen.
- Although we had ordered only twelve, the shopkeeper gave us a baker’s dozen.
Conversation Examples
You would be likely to hear the phrase a bakers dozen in a variety of conversations, some of these might sound a little like the following conversations.
Conversation 1:
- Person 1: I am going shopping today, do you need me to get anything for you?
- Person 2: Yes, can you get me some apples please.
- Person 1: How many would you like?
- Person 2: A bakers dozen will be fine.
Conversation 2:
- Person 1: She has so many children, I don’t know how she ever gets any rest.
- Person 2: How many children does she have?
- Person 1: A bakers dozen, would you believe!
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