patty cake
In Australian English, patty cake is what most of the world calls a cupcake — a small individual cake baked in a paper case, often iced and topped.
Definitions
In Australian English, patty cake is what most of the world calls a cupcake — a small individual cake baked in a paper case, often iced and topped. The term is warm and nostalgic, instantly conjuring school fetes and birthday parties. In the US, patty-cake is mostly known as the clapping nursery rhyme, but Down Under the word belongs firmly to the baked goods shelf.
She brought a tray of patty cakes to the school fete, iced in pink and purple.
Comments
(countable, AU) A cupcake or fairy cake.
Patty cake means: A cupcake or fairy cake.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
patty cake means: A cupcake or fairy cake.. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.
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