Quick apology for the multiple photo posts. I think I’ve sorted it now. However, the proof will be in the pudding, as they say.
So, what exactly does that mean? The proof is in the pudding?
It’s actually a shortened down version of an old proverb, ‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating’. Meaning, to attest the true nature of something,
‘The proof of the pudding is in the eating’ is a very old proverb. The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations dates it back to the early 14th century, albeit without offering any supporting evidence for that assertion.’
When I looked further I was fascinated to find out that since this phrase is so old, the pudding was actually very different to the sweet, dessert puddings we know and love. In fact, medieval puddings were potentially fatal savoury dishes, with horrendous ingredients. Much like haggis I thought, as someone who is not a fan. Then, after looking into it further I began to wonder, is this possibly where haggis comes from?
In the poem by Burns called Address to a Haggis, 1786 he mentions –
“the great chieftain o’ the pudding-race”
in which any Medieval peasants with a brain, faced with a mashed up farmyard massacre, might have thought a taste test to have been a sensible choice.
With this in mind, I definitely agree! Especially after reading this.
THE OED describes the medieval pudding as ‘the stomach or one of the entrails of a pig, sheep, or other animal, stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, suet, oatmeal, seasoning, etc., and boiled‘.
Yes, it’s definitely haggis!
Then finally, when I thought my search was over,  I found that the meaning could be traced back even further to 1300 and recorded by William Camden, an English antiquarian, historian, topographer, and herald of arms born 2 May 1551 in London) in his book Remains Concerning Britain of 1623.
Handsome, large foreheaded chap, isn’t he? Quite on trend with his beard. Not sure about the high collar statement piece, though.
Well, would you believe it? This post was originally just meant to be a short apology, but it’s turned into a proper post, and I’ve actually taught myself something new in the process!
What’s your favourite proverb?
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Ah the fun of posts going random on you! 🙂 Good luck. haggis…. oy! I joked with some friends in high school that my favorite saying was “It takes two to tango and three’s a crowd.” It showed up in my yearbook and I am now cursed with people thinking it’s my favorite. Ouch!
They’re two I quite often say, as well! I wonder if they have any real meaning… you’ve got me thinking now!
Thanks for commenting! 😀