Meaning
- a great fondness for sweet-tasting foods.
- to have a strong craving for sweet food.
- a liking or weakness for sweets.
Example Sentences
- My niece has a sweet tooth, as she continually begs me to make her something sugary.
- I have been having a serious sweet tooth, that's why I try to limit my sugar intake.
- I'm still watching my diet, though it's hard when you have a sweet tooth like mine.
- My son has a sweet tooth; he always asks for candy after dinner.
- I'm trying to curb my sweet tooth by replacing sugary treats with healthy snacks.
Origin
The phrase "sweet tooth" has been around since 1611, when Thomas Nashe used it in his work The Choise of Valentines. It was probably based on the fact that, at that time, people enjoyed eating sweet foods or desserts as a luxury. The term was already commonly used in English literature by 1825, as seen in William Makepeace Thackeray's novel Barry Lyndon.
People who have a preference for sweet food are often referred to as having a "sweet tooth." This means they really enjoy sugary desserts like cakes, chocolates, and ice cream and may have a strong craving for them. It is a relatable phenomenon experienced by many.
The term "sweet tooth" is an age-old expression that remains prevalent today, referring to one's fondness for sweet-tasting foods. Consider the origin of this idiom next time you crave sugar.
