bacon
UK: ˈbeɪkən | US: ˈbeɪkən
n. Cured meat from the back or sides of a pig, typically sliced and fried.
n. (informal) Something desirable or rewarding (e.g., "bring home the bacon").
bacon = bac<back (of an animal)> + on<noun suffix>
- bac (from Old French bacun, meaning "back," referring to the cut of meat from the pig's back or sides).
- on (a noun-forming suffix in Old French, later adopted into Middle English).
Etymology Origin:
The word "bacon" traces back to Old French bacun, derived from Proto-Germanic bakiz ("back"), referring to the anatomical origin of the meat. It entered Middle English as bacoun and retained its association with pork cuts. Over time, "bacon" became a culinary staple, and its informal usage (e.g., "bring home the bacon") metaphorically extended to mean "success" or "reward."
She fried crispy bacon for breakfast.
The sandwich was layered with lettuce, tomato, and bacon.
Farmers in the region specialize in dry-cured bacon.
"Bring home the bacon" means to earn a living.
The aroma of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen.