bun in the oven

[balakrishnanijk]

Isn't it polite to say "Have you got anything in the oven?".
I have read in an English novel that it is a very revolting expression.
How do we express the same idea in a colourless way?

[Anglika]

Are you expecting?
Will there be the patter of little feet soon?
I believe you are expecting a happy event.
I gather you are hoping for an addition to the family very soon.

"Bun in the oven" is colloquial, but not particularly "revolting". Not a term I would use to my grandmother, but possibly with very good friends.

[Thomas_BE]

Furthermore, I hope Anglika would never have to use this phrase to her grandmother, because at a certain age, pregnancy can become life-threatening

But all kidding aside, how about just asking "Are you pregnant?"?

Thomas

[Anglika]

Well, these days who can tell. There are cases of very late pregnancy. I would still avoid using it when talking to grandma whether about grandma or about the 16 year old next door .

[Delmobile]

And for goodness sake, don't ask a woman about "the blessed event" she is expecting just because she LOOKS pregnant. That is a mistake you will not make a second time :)

I agree, "bun in the oven" is a little vulgar perhaps, but hardly the ugliest thing you can say. "Knocked up" is worse imo.

[Ouisch]

Seconding Del!! There really is no good way to ask a woman whether or not she is pregnant. If she is and she wants you to know, she will tell you.

[Delmobile]

Unless you've heard from a reliable source. "Cindy, Bob told me you two are expecting. Congratulations! When are you due?"

And "congratulations" is always appropriate, not (as one zero-population woman, actually a dear friend) told me upon hearing our second child was on the way) "Oh, no! How awful!"