idioms - "Just deserts" or "just desserts"


Which is correct when referring to the punishment gotten by an evil-doer: just deserts or just desserts?


Are both acceptable due to common usage (see buck naked / butt naked and strait-laced / straight-laced)?



Answer



"Just deserts" refer to the consequences that are deserved. However, "desserts" refer to a part of a meal. Changing the spelling of the word in this case changes the meaning entirely, unlike the examples above.


Therefore, "just deserts" is deserved consequences and "just desserts"(there is no such phrase) refers to a deserved refreshment after a meal.


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