There are a few theories as to how a baker's dozen became thirteen. But the most widely accepted is that bakers would throw an extra loaf into orders of a dozen to avoid a flogging. In medieval England, there were strict laws controlling the price of bread.

But a baker's dozen is commonly understood to mean 13. Are bakers just bad at counting? Not quite. There are a few theories as to why a baker's dozen became 13, but the most widely accepted one has to do with avoiding a beating.

You use the term 'Baker's Dozen' to refer to thirteen of something. Example of use: “I'll take a baker's dozen of those donuts, please.”

A dozen (12) loaves was a common order and to avoid accidentally shortchanging a customer a baker would throw in an extra loaf.