“Bushel and a Peck” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 8, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever heard somebody using the term bushel and a peck during a conversation? If so, you may have wondered what the speaker was trying to refer to. We are going to take a look at the meaning of this phrase as well as where it originally came from. We are also going to look at some examples of how the phrase can be used in day to day conversation.

“Bushel and a Peck” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “a bushel and a peck” is a lighthearted expression that means a great deal or a large amount, typically used to describe affection or love. It became widely known through a song in the musical Guys and Dolls, where it is used to express an overwhelming amount of love.
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Bushel and a Peck – Created by 7ESL

“Bushel And A Peck” Meaning

The phrase “a bushel and a peck” is a whimsical expression that denotes a large quantity or measure of affection. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful context to express love or fondness, typically in a romantic or familial setting.

Examples:

  • “I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!”
  • “When my grandmother says she loves me a bushel and a peck, I know she means it!”

Origin of this Romantic Saying

The expression originates from traditional agricultural measurements. A bushel is a unit of volume used to measure dry goods, while a peck is a smaller unit, traditionally considered to be one-fourth of a bushel. The phrase became popular in American culture, particularly through the song “A Bushel and a Peck,” written by D. M. O. O. (Don McLean) in 1948. The song features the line “I love you a bushel and a peck,” making the expression more widely recognized.

Usage of “Bushel And A Peck” 

  • Expressing love to a family member:

“I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!”

  • In a romantic context:

“She told him, ‘I love you a bushel and a peck,’ and he couldn’t help but smile at the sweet sentiment.”

  • Talking to a child:

“Before bed, I always tell my little one, ‘I love you a bushel and a peck!'”

  • In a playful conversation:

“You know how much I care about you—a bushel and a peck, at least!”

Related Terms to “Bushel And A Peck” 

  • A ton of love – an informal way to express a large amount of love or affection.
  • Loads of affection – indicating a substantial amount of warmth or fondness.
  • Heartfelt – expressing deep feelings of love and sincerity.
  • With all my heart – a phrase used to convey genuine love or affection.
  • A world of love – indicating a vast or immeasurable amount of love.
  • Hugs and kisses (XOXO) – a common way to express affection, often used in letters or messages.
  • Love you to the moon and back – a phrase that emphasizes deep and boundless love.
  • A pinch of love – suggesting a small, yet significant amount of affection.
  • Sweet nothings – affectionate words or phrases spoken to express love.
  • Affectionate terms – various endearing words used to express love and fondness.

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

You might like to use different wording to say the term a bushel and a peck and there are ways in which you can do this.

Let’s take a look at some of these now.

  • To love somebody greatly.
  • To be deeply in love.

“Bushel And A Peck” Examples

Examples in Statements

We are now going to take a look at some examples of how the term bushel and a peck can be used within a sentence.

The first statement is being made by a husband to his wife.

  • You know I love you a bushel and a peck but I am still going out tonight.

The second statement is being made by a news reporter.

  • The couple have been married for 60 years and you can see that they love one another a bushel and a peck.

Conversation Examples

You are likely to see the term bushel and a peck being used in many day to day conversations. We are now going to take a look at some examples of how this might appear.

The first conversation is one which is taking place between a mother and a child.

  • Person 1: “Mummy, do you love me?”
  • Person 2: “I love you a bushel and a peck my darling.”

The next conversation is taking place between two friends.

  • Person 1: “Have you seen how loved up Anna and Paul are?”
  • Person 2: “Yes, they are inseparable.”
  • Person 1: “I think they will go the long haul, it’s clear that they love each other a bushel and a peck.”
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