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The breadwinner in a household is the one who makes the most money for the house, supporting the house, wife, kids, etc. Once upon a time, the father was usually the breadwinner since he was the one who went to work and brought home the all the money for the household.

Understood in this sense, it's not that difficult to see its origins. A person who could earn (win) their daily sustenance (bread) is known as a breadwinner: one who could earn one's keep. The idea evolved in the 20th century to better reflect people who supported not just themselves but also families and households.

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15y ago

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