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Tuck in

Posted by Alex on September 22, 2007

An American colleague recently asked me what the phrase "tucking in" meant (in the context eating; he was familiar with the "tucking someone into bed" meaning). Although I was able to tell him, it got me wondering as to how and where the phrase originated.

I hadn't really considered that it was probably a very English term; for anyone unfamiliar with it, it means to eat something - usually with great enthusiasm.

Does anyone have any ideas as to the origin of the phrase?

I suspect - but have no evidence - that its related to the 17th - 19th century item of women's clothing, the tucker. (Which I suspect might have also been responsible for the use of the word 'tucker' to mean food.)

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