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Scones Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scones

[skəʊnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

British cuisine

A type of baked bread or cake that is usually made with flour, sugar, butter, and milk. Scones are often served with jam and cream as part of a traditional British afternoon tea.

Synonyms

biscuit, cake, pastry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scones

Scones are best suited for a traditional British tea time or breakfast. They are usually slightly sweet and can be served with clotted cream and jam.

  • We enjoyed some scones with our afternoon tea.
  • She made fresh scones for breakfast this morning.
biscuit

Biscuits can refer to different things depending on the region. In the UK, a biscuit is a sweet, dry, baked good often enjoyed with tea or coffee. In the US, a biscuit is a soft, flaky bread typically served with meals.

  • (UK) I always have a biscuit with my tea.
  • (US) The chicken came with a side of biscuits and gravy.
pastry

Pastry is a term used to describe a variety of baked goods made from dough. This can include items like croissants, tarts, and turnovers, often found in bakeries and enjoyed as snacks or desserts.

  • She bought a box of assorted pastries for the office.
  • His favorite breakfast is a coffee and a warm pastry from the bakery.
cake

Cake is generally used to refer to a sweet baked dessert that can be served at celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or other special occasions. It is often decorated with icing or frosting.

  • They baked a chocolate cake for her birthday.
  • The wedding cake had three tiers and was beautifully decorated.

Examples of usage

  • Would you like a scone with your tea?
  • She baked a batch of delicious scones for the party.
  • The bakery down the street makes the best scones in town.
Context #2 | Noun

Scottish cuisine

In Scotland, a scone is a type of quick bread that is typically made with wheat flour, baking powder, and buttermilk or sour milk. It is often cooked on a griddle or in an oven.

Synonyms

bannock, griddlecake, oatcake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scones

Scones are typically enjoyed during afternoon tea or for breakfast, often served with butter, jam, or cream. They are common in the UK and are known for their slightly sweet, crumbly texture.

  • We enjoyed warm scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam for tea.
  • She baked a fresh batch of scones for breakfast.
bannock

Bannock is a type of flat, round bread that is common in Scottish and Indigenous North American cuisines. It is usually cooked on a griddle or in a skillet and can be made from various grains, including oats, barley, or wheat.

  • The traditional Scottish bannock is a staple at family gatherings.
  • He prepared bannock on the campfire during their outdoor adventure.
griddlecake

Griddlecakes are pancakes cooked on a griddle. They can be sweet or savory and are a popular choice for breakfast in North America. They are typically served with syrup, fruit, or other toppings.

  • For breakfast, we had griddlecakes with maple syrup and fresh berries.
  • She flipped the griddlecakes expertly, ensuring they were perfectly golden brown.
oatcake

Oatcakes are dry, hard biscuits or crackers made from oats, commonly found in Scottish and British cuisines. They are often eaten with cheese, smoked fish, or spreads. They are less sweet and more hearty compared to scones.

  • Scottish oatcakes with sharp cheddar make a delightful snack.
  • He carried oatcakes in his backpack as a durable and nutritious hiking snack.

Examples of usage

  • I'll have a scone with my soup, please.
  • Scottish scones are known for their light and fluffy texture.
  • The traditional Scottish scone recipe calls for minimal ingredients.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • Scones are a staple in British afternoon tea, traditionally served with clotted cream and jam.
  • In North America, scones are often sweeter and denser, with flavors like blueberry or chocolate chip, differing from the British version.

Cultural References

  • Scones are often featured in literature and films, symbolizing British culture and social gatherings.
  • The phrase 'scone or scone?' playfully highlights regional differences in pronunciation, sparking friendly debates among fans.

Science of Baking

  • The rise of scones depends on the reaction of baking soda or powder with acidic ingredients like buttermilk, creating bubbles that make them fluffy.
  • Overmixing the dough can lead to tough scones, as too much gluten develops; the right mix yields a light and tender product.

Global Variations

  • Different cultures have their own versions of scones, such as the Australian Anzac biscuit or the Irish soda bread, showing local ingredients and tastes.
  • In Japan, you might find matcha-flavored scones, mixing traditional British recipes with local flavors.

Origin of 'scones'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Scottish word 'scone,' which may mean 'stone' because they were originally baked on hot stones.
  • In England, they started as a type of bread, but over time, the recipe evolved with the addition of sugar and dried fruits.

The origin of scones can be traced back to Scotland, where they were first made as a type of unleavened bread cooked on a griddle. Over time, the recipe evolved to include baking powder and other ingredients, resulting in the scones we know today. Scones became popular in England during the 19th century and have since become a staple of British and Scottish cuisine, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

See also: scone.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,648, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.