Sweet tooth

Meaning

The idiom "sweet tooth" refers to someone who has a strong liking or preference for sweet foods, often to the exclusion of other flavors. It can also be used more generally to describe someone with an overall pleasant or cheerful nature.

Usage

• I have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to dessert, so I always make sure to leave room for some after dinner.
• She's got a sweet tooth for jokes and is always making everyone laugh with her corny humor.
• My grandma has a sweet tooth for old movies and spends most of her free time watching classic films from the 1950s.
• The company's marketing strategy relies heavily on appealing to consumers with a sweet tooth, as they know that many people have a weakness for sugary treats.
• Despite his tough exterior, my friend has a sweet tooth for adventure and loves to take risks and try new things.

Roots and History

The idiom "sweet tooth" has been in use since at least the 16th century, with earlier uses appearing in literature as far back as the Middle Ages. The earliest known example of the phrase is from John Heywood's dictionary in 1546, where it was used to describe someone who had a taste for "cakes or sweets." Over time, the idiom has evolved to include not just a preference for sweet foods but also a generally cheerful or pleasant nature.

Synonyms in English

• Sugar baby
• Honeyed words
• Siren call of sweetness
• Sugary disposition
• Sweet-talker

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "huele al dulce" - This means to have a strong scent of sweets, which can be used as a synonym for having a sweet tooth.
• French: "denture douce" - This translates to "sweet tooth," and is commonly used in French culture.
• German: "süße Zunge" - This means to have a sweet tongue, which can be used as a synonym for having a sweet tooth.
• Italian: "denti dolci" - This translates to "sweet teeth," which is a more direct translation of the idiom.

Similar Idioms

• like a hole in the head

• scratch back

• set in ways