Tracing the Origins of “The Sweet Tooth”
Tracing the Origins of “The Sweet Tooth”
It’s a phrase we’ve all heard before: “I have a sweet tooth.” But where did this term come from? In this blog post, we’ll trace the origins of “the sweet tooth” and explore how it’s used today.
The earliest known use of the phrase “sweet tooth” dates back to the early 1600s. At that time, it was used to describe someone with a penchant for sugary foods. The Oxford English Dictionary cites a 1611 work by English dramatist Thomas Middleton, in which one character says of another, “He hath a sweet tooth.”
It’s thought that the use of “tooth” in this context may be a reference to the fact that sugar is detrimental to dental health. In fact, the terms “sweet tooth” and “cavity” were used interchangeably well into the 19th century. In 1859, for example, an article in The Times of London noted that “decayed teeth, or cavities as they are called in America, are very prevalent among persons addicted to a sweet tooth.”
The term likely gained popularity due to the fact that sugar was relatively new to Europe at that time. Prior to the 16th century, sugar was a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford. However, by the 18th century, sugar production had increased and its price had decreased, making it more accessible to the masses.
Interestingly enough, the phrase “sweet tooth” isn’t used all that much in Britain — likely because Brits have been eating sugary foods for centuries longer than Americans have. In fact, some of Britain’s most popular desserts, such as pudding and treacle tart, date back hundreds of years.
These days, of course, we don’t use “sweet tooth” to refer exclusively to our love of sugary foods. We also use it to describe other things we enjoy — like dessert wines or even certain cigars. No matter how you use it, though, one thing is for sure: “the sweet tooth” is here to stay.
To summarise, the next time you reach for that second slice of cake or order a dessert wine with dinner, you can thank (or blame) the early 17th-century English for coining the phrase “sweet tooth.” While originally used to describe those with a love of sugary foods, these days we use it to talk about anything we enjoy that might not be good for us — like rich desserts or strong cigars. So next time your sweet tooth gets the better of you, just remember: you’re not alone!
If you’re looking for Vietnamese sweat dessert in Vaughan, Toronto, Woodbridge, or Hamilton visit TorontoPho.com.
We are a growing Vietnamese restaurant committed to serving authentically prepared Asian Vietnamese foods done right and healthy. Our PHO is a proud creation, alongside so many of our other menu items. Call us or Come on by and pick up a bowl!