Easter Egg – Meaning, Origin and Usage

There is something special about playing your favorite game and finding a clue hidden within. You can even find little hints and spoilers in TV dramas or while reading your favorite books. If you ever wondered what these clues were called, you are in the right place. Easter eggs are delicious, but they serve an even better purpose as a delectable plot clue. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.

Meaning

The phrase Easter egg has a couple of different meanings. The most known meaning is the colorful treat usually offered during Easter. These dyed eggs are typically hidden in gardens or around the home for children to find during this well-known Christian religious holiday. The second meaning is that of a hidden message or surprise. It is important to pay attention to the context and the audience when using or listening to the phrase to understand which meaning applies.

The phrase Easter egg as a hidden clue is a more modern meaning that has become popular in recent years. Usually, these are clues or messages that are hidden in video games, movies, books, and other consumable media. Easter eggs can also mean a hidden prize or gift that is not an actual egg but hidden like a traditional Easter egg.

Example Usage

“If you watch all of the Game of Thrones episodes a second time, you will notice a lot of the hidden Easter eggs littered in the plot”.

“Steven King is one of the best writers of all time, I bet you didn’t realize all of his books have Easter eggs linking them to other stories in his collection”.

“I hate looking for Easter eggs, it’s always hot, and humid, and they are hidden in the weirdest of places”.

“Do you want to help me decorate the Easter egg’s this year? We have new colors and stencils”.

Origin

Easter is generally a religious holiday celebrated by those who follow the Christian faith. However, the holiday has very little to do with actual Easter eggs. These colorful treats have roots in Pagan rituals, specifically those that celebrate new life and new beginnings. Cultures that celebrate spring are known to use both plain and decorated eggs as part of their celebratory rituals since the dawn of time.

It is not quite clear when Christians began to use eggs, decorated or otherwise as part of their official celebrations. The earliest use of a decorated egg for Easter can be traced to the 13th century. It is said that it emerged since eggs were banned during the Lenten season and the coloring and marking of an egg was used to mark the end during Easter.

The more modern use of the phrase Easter egg meaning hidden clues has a more modern birth. In 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show aired. In this show, there were various Easter eggs hidden in the scenes which revealed more about the movie. Since then, the phrase has been used in DVDs, video games, and even in books to represent hidden clues.

Phrases Similar to Easter Egg

  • Plot clues
  • Hidden clues
  • Surprise
  • Gift
  • Spoilers
  • Secrets

Phrases Opposite to Easter Egg

  • Counsel
  • Guide
  • Chapter and verse
  • Data
  • Information
  • Walkthrough
  • Tips

What is the Correct Saying?

  • The proper way to say the phrase is - Easter egg.

Ways People May Incorrectly Say Easter Egg

The most popular use of the phrase Easter egg is in reference to the actual colored treat, or a hidden message. The most common mistake is when the phrase is used in the wrong context.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase Easter Egg

Some ways that Easter egg is used correctly are:

  • I was watching Lord of the Rings again last night and noticed 4 new Easter eggs in the first hour alone.
  • Try going through the game again, but this time look for Easter eggs that will help you progress more quickly.
  • I really don’t like the way that Easter eggs look or how they smell, I wish the tradition would die.
  • Finding Easter eggs in a book is not always as easy as it seems, especially if you fall headfirst into the plot.

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