Everyday Food Phrases Explained

Egg Someone On

This is one of those idioms where you think the etymology is obvious, but it actually surprises you.

You might be shocked to hear that this phrase has nothing to do with eggs. You may have thought that this expression means that people are being spurred on to do something for fear of being pelted with an egg. However, the egg in this expression is a verb meaning “to goad” or “to incite,” which is derived from the Old Norse (Old Germanic dialect) word eggia.

The word is related to the Old English word ecg, meaning “an edge.” It is also related to the Middle Low German eggen, meaning “to harrow.” Therefore, this may suggest that someone is “egged” on in fear of being prodded with something sharp, but this is only a vaguely implied connection.

The word came into English around the year 1200, originally in the sense of provoking or tempting a person. Today, the phrase means to encourage someone to do something, usually of a risky, foolish, or dangerous nature. In other words, people egg one another on to get a reaction.  For example, one may say, “Don’t listen to him; he’s only trying to egg you on!”

Egg On My Face

The idiom "egg on my face" refers to someone feeling embarrassed or foolish because of a mistake or failure. It originates from having an egg, a messy and noticeable substance, on one's face, symbolizing an obvious blunder or an awkward situation that others can easily see.

For example, if someone confidently predicts a certain outcome but is proven wrong, they might say they have an "egg on their face" due to the embarrassment of being incorrect. It's a lighthearted way to acknowledge a misstep in judgment or action.

The idiom "egg on my face" likely originated from public performances, particularly in the theater or during vaudeville shows in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During these performances, audiences would sometimes throw rotten eggs at actors or performers they disapproved of, which was a clear sign of embarrassment or failure. Having "egg on your face" became a metaphor for visibly experiencing public humiliation.

Another possible origin relates to dining etiquette. In the 18th and 19th centuries, eggs were commonly eaten by hand or with rudimentary utensils, and it was easy for someone to end up with egg on their face, symbolizing a clumsy or embarrassing moment during a meal.

Though the exact origin has yet to be pinpointed, the phrase started gaining widespread popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the U.S., where it became a colloquial way to express public embarrassment or failure after being proven wrong or making a mistake.

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