Why are cakes called cakes?

The word "cake" has a fascinating history and its origin is actually a bit unclear! Here's what we know:

* Oldest Roots: The word "cake" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "kaka," which referred to a flat, unleavened bread. This word then spread to other Germanic languages.

* Medieval Times: In the Middle Ages, the word "cake" evolved to describe a variety of sweet and savory baked goods, including pastries and even meat pies.

* Modern Meaning: By the 17th century, "cake" had taken on its modern meaning: a sweet baked good, often made with flour, sugar, and eggs.

So, while we can't pinpoint an exact reason for the word "cake," it's likely a combination of its evolution from older words and the changing nature of baked goods over time.

Interestingly, the word "cake" is not always used the same way around the world. Some languages have their own specific words for different types of cakes, while others use the word "cake" more broadly.