Although Marie Antoinette never said “let them eat cake,” she probably did say something similar which was rephrased and then used against her. As the government controlled the supply of wheat, over time traditions developed to appeal for more wheat (more accurately, flour) to be released from the government stores. The most common of these traditions was the women’s march from Paris. Invariably, it would fall to the queen to address the women. Since the hard wheat harvest was often insufficient, the queen would release soft, or cake, wheat/flour. Marie Antoinette was queen during several years when such was the case. It is reasonable assume she may used the phrase cake flour or soft wheat as documents indicate she did authorize the release of additional wheat stores at least thrice.
England was also having major issues with the supply of wheat which, of course, was called corn in that nation.
Isn’t dealing with living languages fun?
derjoser
LINK TO COLUMN: Did Marie Antoinette really say “let them eat cake”? - The Straight Dope