baker's dozen
C1informal, historical
Definition
Meaning
A group of thirteen items.
A traditional unit of quantity, specifically thirteen, originating from the historical practice of bakers adding an extra item to a standard dozen to avoid penalties for shortchanging customers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a fixed, countable noun phrase. It is used to denote a quantity, not a quality. It often carries a positive connotation of getting a little extra or a historical/folksy charm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned or quaint in both varieties, but still in active use.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both varieties, typically found in historical contexts, markets, or when emphasizing generosity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + a baker's dozen + [of + Noun][Quantifier] + baker's dozenVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give someone a baker's dozen (to be extra generous)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in niche retail (e.g., bakeries, farmers' markets) for marketing traditional or generous quantities.
Academic
Used in historical, economic, or cultural studies discussing medieval trade practices and regulations.
Everyday
Used when buying small goods (buns, eggs, oysters) where an extra item is given or expected.
Technical
Not used in technical/scientific contexts where precise numbers are required.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I asked for twelve rolls, but the baker gave me a baker's dozen!
- At the market, they sell eggs by the baker's dozen, so you get thirteen in a box.
- The vendor, adhering to the ancient guild custom, provided a baker's dozen with every order, ensuring no customer could claim they were shortchanged.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a baker being so worried about the 'dozen police' that he nervously adds one more, making 13.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAIRNESS/INSURANCE IS AN EXTRA UNIT (The extra item serves as insurance against accusation of cheating).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "булочная дюжина". The established equivalent is "чёртова дюжина" (devil's dozen), though the connotations differ slightly (English is positive/generous, Russian can be superstitious).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'baker's dozen eggs' is correct; 'a baker's dozen amount' is not).
- Thinking it means 12.
- Using the possessive incorrectly (e.g., 'bakers dozen').
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of 'a baker's dozen'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a fixed expression meaning exactly thirteen.
It is best suited for informal or historical contexts. In formal scientific or technical writing, use 'thirteen'.
Yes, it can be used humorously or descriptively for any group of thirteen items (e.g., a baker's dozen of books).
A dozen is 12. A baker's dozen is 13, specifically with the historical connotation of an extra item given for assurance or generosity.