Financial Idiom #2: Bread Winner
The “breadwinner” became such because, across the 19th Century, bread was a staple food item for many families, and the “breadwinner” was simply the family member who brought home the money and, therefore, brought home the bread.
What does breadwinner mean?
A breadwinner is a colloquial term for the primary or sole income earner in a household. Breadwinners, by contributing the largest portion of household income, generally cover most household expenses and financially support their dependents.
Is breadwinner an offensive term?
Although the term breadwinner doesn't seem to have a negative connotation, it can be frustrating that by earning the higher or sole income in your household, you are automatically in control of the decisions made.
