flatware etymology

Etymology

The word "flatware" is a compound word derived from two English words:

  • Flat: Meaning even, level, or without curvature.
  • Ware: Meaning goods or items.

Meaning

Flatware refers to a set of eating utensils that are usually flat and have no sharp edges. It typically includes:

  • Forks
  • Knives
  • Spoons

Flatware is used for both formal and informal dining settings and can be made from a variety of materials, including silver, stainless steel, plastic, and wood.

Origin

The earliest known use of the term "flatware" can be traced back to the early 19th century. Before this time, eating utensils were simply referred to as "cutlery" or "plate."

It is believed that the term "flatware" was coined to differentiate between these smooth, flat utensils and other types of cutlery with sharp edges, such as knives and swords.

Over time, the term "flatware" became more commonly used and eventually replaced the older terms. It is now the standard term used to refer to this type of eating utensil set.

flatware relate terms

  • flat

    Etymology Old English flaett level ground plain Proto Germanic flatą flat pl

  • ware

    Etymology The word ware has roots in several Germanic languages Old English waru m

  • hardware

    Etymology Latin hardus hard ware goods Meaning Hardware refers to the ph

  • earthenware

    Etymology Early Modern English erdynware 1538 Middle English erthenware c 1300 Old

  • silver

    Etymology The word silver derives from Old English seolfor or seolfer which in tu

  • plate

    Etymology The word plate comes from the Old French word plate which is derived from

  • saucer

    Etymology The word saucer is derived from the Middle English word sauser which in t

  • prattle

    Etymology The word prattle is derived from the Middle English word praten which mean

  • hollow

    Etymology Old English holh meaning hole hollow cavity Proto Germanic hulaz pr

  • yield

    Etymology Old English ġieldan meaning to pay render submit surrender Meaning

  • rhinoceros

    Etymology The word rhinoceros comes from the Greek words rhinos nose and keras

  • medicine

    Etymology The word medicine originates from the Latin word medicina which in turn i

  • desultory

    Etymology The word desultory originates from the Latin word desultor which means v

  • clean

    Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f