Flapjacks: meaning, definitions and examples

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flapjacks

 

[ ˈflæpˌdʒæk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

breakfast food

Flapjacks are a type of thick pancake, typically made with oatmeal or porridge oats. They are often served with syrup or fruit toppings.

Synonyms

griddlecakes, hotcakes, pancakes.

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Word Description / Examples
flapjacks

Commonly used in the United Kingdom to refer to a sweet, tray-baked oat bar. In the United States, it can refer to a type of pancake, although this usage is less common.

  • In the UK: 'I packed some flapjacks for our picnic
  • ' In the US: 'We enjoyed a stack of flapjacks for breakfast
  • '
pancakes

The most commonly used term in both the United States and internationally. It is versatile and appropriate for both casual and formal occasions.

  • 'We had blueberry pancakes for breakfast this morning
  • ' 'The brunch menu includes a variety of flavored pancakes
  • '
griddlecakes

Typically used in the United States to describe pancakes cooked on a griddle. This term is somewhat old-fashioned and less commonly used today.

  • 'My grandma used to make the best griddlecakes on Sunday mornings
  • '
hotcakes

This term is often used in the United States, particularly in the context of fast food restaurants and diner menus. It tends to make the dish sound more casual and ready-to-eat.

  • 'Get your delicious hotcakes and syrup at our drive-thru!'

Examples of usage

  • Would you like some syrup on your flapjacks?
  • My favorite breakfast is flapjacks with blueberries.
  • She makes the best flapjacks in town.
Context #2 | Noun

British English

In British English, flapjacks refer to a sweet traybake made from rolled oats, butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup. They are baked until golden brown and then cut into squares.

Synonyms

oat bar, oat slice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flapjacks

In American English, 'flapjacks' is another word for pancakes. They are often eaten for breakfast and can be served with syrup, fruit, or other toppings.

  • We had blueberry flapjacks for breakfast this morning
  • Do you want some maple syrup for your flapjacks?
oat bar

This term is used to describe a bar made from oats, usually combined with other ingredients like honey, nuts, or dried fruit. It's often marketed as a healthy snack or an energy bar.

  • I always keep an oat bar in my bag for a quick energy boost
  • She ate an oat bar after her workout
oat slice

Similar to 'flapjacks' in the UK, an oat slice refers to a baked treat made from oats, often with additional ingredients like seeds or chocolate. It's typically served in slices and can be a dessert or snack.

  • Would you like to try this oat slice? It's made with dark chocolate chunks
  • He brought homemade oat slices to the office party

Examples of usage

  • I baked a batch of flapjacks for the school bake sale.
  • These flapjacks are perfect for a quick snack.
  • Would you like a piece of my homemade flapjack?

Translations

Translations of the word "flapjacks" in other languages:

🇵🇹 panquecas

🇮🇳 फ्लैपजैक्स

🇩🇪 Pfannkuchen

🇮🇩 kue dadar

🇺🇦 панкейки

🇵🇱 naleśniki

🇯🇵 ホットケーキ

🇫🇷 crêpes

🇪🇸 panqueques

🇹🇷 pankekler

🇰🇷 팬케이크

🇸🇦 فطائر

🇨🇿 lívance

🇸🇰 lievance

🇨🇳 薄饼

🇸🇮 palačinke

🇮🇸 pönnukökur

🇰🇿 құймақ

🇬🇪 პანქეიქები

🇦🇿 pankeklər

🇲🇽 panquecas

Etymology

The term 'flapjack' originated in the United States in the early 1600s, derived from the word 'flap' (to flip) and 'jack' (a common man's name). It initially referred to a type of flat cake cooked on a griddle. In British English, 'flapjacks' have a different meaning and are more closely related to oat bars. The popularity of flapjacks has grown over the years, becoming a beloved breakfast and snack option in many households.

See also: flap, flapjack, flapping, unflappable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,536, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.