Discussions about eggcorns and related topics
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Chris -- 2025-05-10
“I’ve got my baby’s layout all ready!” -remark by a pregnant co-worker.
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I’m not sure I understand the usage (or misusage).
Does “layout” refer to the planning schedule for giving birth at a particular time? Or does it refer to items like clothing, bottles, pacifiers, etc. that one might “lay out” on a table in preparation for the new arrival? ...Or maybe the “laying out” of the baby herself on a table???
Also, Is there another word that “layout” is taking the place of?
This potential eggcorn basically needs two things for clarification: the intended meaning and the interpreted meaning.
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The word that’s being replaced is ‘layette.’
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I checked Wikipedia for layette, and this is what I found…
Basic layette items include:
a going-home-from-the-hospital outfit
legless sleepwear (sleeping gowns / kimonos / sleeping bags / newborn sacques / blanket sleepers) or footed sleepers
onesies (short-sleeved, legless bodysuits) / all-in-ones / rompers / coveralls
undershirts / T-shirts
receiving blankets
swaddling blankets
hooded towels
baby washcloths
socks / booties
hats / beanies / sweaters / bunting (depending on the climate)
burp cloths (cloth diapers are often recommended)
Oh! Now I get it! A layout!
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