- I first heard this word in my physics 101 class from professor Dunning while he was explaining some very complicated physics problem. The word underwent semantic change perhaps via metaphor. Since bacon is a very desirable food, if you “save bacon” you have saved yourself something you like. Something you like may be the free time you’ve gained by saving yourself a lot of work. This word seems more fun to use than the simple word “work.”
Bacon
noun; semantic change via metaphor
Tedious unwanted work, especially one that involves math or physics
Etymology : From Old French bacon from med.L. bacon-em
Source : If you understand how center of mass relates to velocity it will save you bacon on many problems. (lecture, Oct. 29, 2008)
Last modified: 2 December 2008