His first tooth coming in/out

Question

If you look closely at the baby's gums, you can see his first tooth coming in.HI,Isn't it more logical to say "his first tooth coming out" instead of "his first tooth coming in" in the above? Thanks.

Sarruby · Accepted Answer

When I think of a baby's teeth coming in, I think of a baby's teeth coming into his mouth from the gums. When I think of a baby's teeth coming out, I think of a baby's teeth exiting his mouth. I don't know if that's why we say that, but that's what I think.

Angliholic · Answer

Thanks, Sarruby

Anonymous · Answer

"...first tooth coming in." is correct.  This is an interesting question, as the verb "to come in" is a very old one, having been in use in the Middle Ages and possibly even earlier.  This apparently had its origin in farm speech, as you might hear a farmer say:  "The apples are coming in (rapidly approaching harvesting)."  or "The apples come in next month." or The ewes are coming in to (not "into") estrus." or "The girls are coming in to womanhood (note: you can't say "into" here). or "The boys are coming in to manhood."  Etc.  In spite of its apparent "farm" origins, using this verb would be considered quite literary.  This is the kind of language you might hear in D. H. Lawrence's works.

His first tooth coming in/out

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