WOODEN SPOON Meaning and
Definition
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A "wooden spoon" refers to a kitchen utensil made entirely of wood, usually with a long handle and a slightly curved or spoon-shaped end. Its primary purpose is for stirring, mixing, and serving various ingredients during the cooking or baking process. The wooden spoon has a rich historical significance, dating back centuries as one of the oldest and most commonly used culinary tools across different cultures.
By employing a wooden spoon, one can effortlessly stir or combine ingredients in a pot or bowl without causing damage to the container's surface, especially when the materials are susceptible to scratching or warping. The use of wood as the primary material also ensures that the spoon does not transfer any heat to the hands while stirring hot foods, promoting safety.
In addition to its functional purpose, the wooden spoon has symbolic meanings in certain contexts. It is often associated with a gentle and nurturing approach, as in the traditional practice of awarding a "wooden spoon" to the runner-up or last-place finisher in a competition, signifying a consolation prize rather than outright victory.
Overall, the wooden spoon remains a fundamental tool in everyday cooking due to its versatility, durability, and ability to resist high temperatures without conducting heat. Its utilitarian design and historical significance make it a staple in kitchen environments worldwide.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for WOODEN SPOON
- qooden spoon
- aooden spoon
- sooden spoon
- eooden spoon
- 3ooden spoon
- 2ooden spoon
- wioden spoon
- wkoden spoon
- wloden spoon
- wpoden spoon
- w0oden spoon
- w9oden spoon
- woiden spoon
- wokden spoon
- wolden spoon
- wopden spoon
- wo0den spoon
- wo9den spoon
- woosen spoon
Etymology of WOODEN SPOON
The term "wooden spoon" can be traced back to medieval Europe, specifically to the custom of presenting a wooden spoon as a symbolic prize or recognition for coming last in a competition or race. In universities, especially in the United Kingdom, the "wooden spoon" was given to the student obtaining the lowest honors or the lowest academic achievement in a particular subject.
The use of a wooden spoon as a mock prize likely stems from the fact that wooden spoons were commonly used in daily life, especially in cooking and eating. Furthermore, wooden spoons were inexpensive and readily available utensils during medieval times.
Over time, the term "wooden spoon" expanded beyond universities and became a colloquial expression to denote the person or team that finishes at the bottom of a competition or league. It carries a sense of humor and light-heartedness, often used to console or tease someone who did not fare well in a particular endeavor.
Idioms with the word WOODEN SPOON
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get the wooden spoon
The idiom "get the wooden spoon" typically refers to being the recipient of punishment or reprimand. It implies being scolded or disciplined for a mistake, wrongdoing, or poor performance. The expression is derived from the practice of using a wooden spoon as a tool for administering physical discipline to children.
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get, win, take, etc. the wooden spoon
The idiom "get, win, take, etc. the wooden spoon" refers to finishing in last place or being the least successful in a competition or a group. It often implies a sense of disappointment or failure. The phrase is derived from a tradition in which a wooden spoon was humorously awarded to the person or team that came in last.
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the wooden spoon
The idiom "the wooden spoon" typically refers to a scenario where a person receives or is deserving of the least desirable outcome or position in a competition, contest, or situation. It originates from an old tradition where a wooden spoon was humorously awarded to the last-place finisher in a race or contest as a symbol of their poor performance or lack of skill.
Similar spelling word for WOODEN SPOON
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