Truth and Pudding

M.A.

Where did we get the stupid expression, "The proof is in the pudding"? It doesn't make any sense to me.

-- Wondering, San Diego

"Stupid," like, why's the proof in the pudding and not in cabbage rolls or Rice Krispie squares or tequila shooters? Yeah, we can see your point. But maybe it doesn't make sense to you because it's not the right stupid expression. The proof isn't in the pudding -- "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" is the correct version. Is that any better? No? Hmm. The adage goes back so far -- at least 700 years -- that the word nerds have no single origin for it. What they were trying to say back in the 14th Century is, "Talk all you like about how good the pudding is. Until we try it we won't really know." It's undoubtedly British. And "pudding" is a general term for the dessert course over there. Not sure that has anything to do with the situation. Anyway, that's about all we can do for you. If the proof of the smartass is in the answer, well, we may have pulled up short this time.