Scooper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scooper

[ˈskuːpər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

tool for serving

A scooper is a utensil or device used to serve or scoop food, particularly ice cream, out of a container. It is designed to easily pick up and transfer portions of food with minimal mess.

Synonyms

ladle, server, shoveler, spoon.

Examples of usage

  • I used an ice cream scooper to serve dessert.
  • The scooper made it easy to get the perfect portion of mashed potatoes.
  • She bought a new scooper for her cookie dough.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • In kitchens, scooper tools come in various sizes for different serving needs ranging from ice cream to cookie dough.
  • There are specialized scoopers like melon ballers, which are designed specifically to create round scoops for fruit salads.
  • Scoopers are also used in portion control, ensuring consistent serving sizes for dietary or recipe purposes.

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons, you often see characters using big scoopers to comically serve outrageous amounts of ice cream, adding humor to the scene.
  • The iconic image of a kid enjoying a giant ice cream hails from decades of advertisements showcasing scoopers in summer fun.
  • Reality cooking shows often feature competitions where participants must use scoopers to create the fastest or most creative ice cream desserts.

Science

  • The physics of scooping incorporates concepts like angle and pressure, which affect how easily one can lift certain materials.
  • Innovations in scooper design, such as built-in levers, make it easier for people with limited hand strength to serve food.
  • Studies show that the size and shape of a scooper can influence portion sizes, impacting dietary habits and health.

DIY & Crafts

  • People have repurposed household items as scoopers for crafts, ensuring they can work with glue, paint, or other materials.
  • DIY scoopers can be made from spoons or even plastic bottles, showing creativity in resourcefulness.
  • In some arts and crafts projects, scoopers are used to mold clay or other materials, allowing for intricate designs.

Origin of 'scooper'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'scooper' originates from 'scoop', which comes from the Old English word 'scof' meaning to cut off or take away.
  • The verb 'scoop' has been used since the late 19th century, leading to the noun 'scooper' as a descriptor for the tool.
  • Different regions have their own versions of scooping tools, sometimes called by their specific material, like 'ice cream disher' for scooping ice cream.

The word 'scooper' derives from the verb 'scoop', which has its origins in the early 15th century. 'Scoop' comes from the Middle English 'scoopen', which itself can be traced back to Old Norse 'skopa', meaning to dig or shovel. The flexibility of the term allowed it to evolve into various forms, leading to the noun 'scooper' that we use today. Originally associated with simple digging or removing actions, over the centuries, the word took on more specialized meanings as cooking and food service became more formalized. By the late 20th century, kitchen gadgets, including the scooper, became increasingly prevalent in households, bolstered by their utility in serving ice cream and other foods more efficiently.