19 February 2024, 07:05 PM
DanielWhy is a baker's dozen 13?
Does anyone know?
19 February 2024, 07:40 PM
Mary AnnaThe thirteenth one is a little something extra that the baker throws in for customer goodwill.
In New Orleans (and maybe France and French-speaking countries?), it's called
lagniappe.19 February 2024, 10:55 PM
DanielThanks, Mary Anna.
I know this word, actually.
It means, "a little something extra" and, at least, I don't think it applies exclusively to baked goods.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I first heard it in New Orleans years ago.
20 February 2024, 04:15 PM
Mary AnnaNo, it doesn't only apply to baked goods, but I've sure gotten a 13th baked good at bakeries there.
I do think "baker's dozen" in English started at bakeries but has spread out to other forms of commercial generosity.