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Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Proof is in the pudding

 


This image was inspired by National Indian Pudding Day (which didn't get a single post on Instagram until I posted one).  Ever wonder where the phrase, "The proof is in the pudding" comes from? Well, even if you haven't, the phrase "the proof is in the pudding" is a shortened version of the original proverb, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating." This older saying, which dates back to at least the 14th century in England, means that the true value or quality of something can only be judged by putting it to the test. In other words, you have to experience or try something out to truly understand its worth or effectiveness.

In medieval times, "pudding" referred to a type of sausage filled with meat and other ingredients, often risky to eat if not properly prepared. Hence, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" meant that you could only tell if the pudding was safe and good by tasting it.

Over time, the phrase was shortened to "the proof is in the pudding," though this newer version is less literal and sometimes misunderstood. Today, it’s used to convey that results are what ultimately demonstrate the quality or truth of something.

The moral of this is that making pudding that is actually sausage is not pretty. Nor is blogging.

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