fruitcake
Pronunciation
/ˈfɹutˌkeɪk/

Definition & Meaning of "fruitcake"in English

Fruitcake
01

a type of cake that is made with dried or candied fruit, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in brandy or other spirits to enhance its flavor

fruitcake definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
fruitcakes

What is "fruitcake"?

Fruitcake is a type of cake that is made with a mixture of dried or candied fruits, nuts, and spices. The cake is often soaked in brandy or other spirits to enhance its flavor and preserve it for a long period of time. Fruitcake has a dense and rich texture, and a complex and nuanced flavor that is sweet, spicy, and slightly boozy. It is a popular dessert during the holiday season and is often associated with Christmas and other winter celebrations. Fruitcake can be found in bakeries, coffee shops, and supermarkets, and is often given as a gift during the holiday season. It is a timeless and traditional dessert that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. While some people love the rich and fruity flavor of fruitcake, others find it too dense or overly sweet.

02

an eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable person

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
fruitcake definition and meaning
Offensive
Slang

What is the origin of the term "fruitcake" and how is it used?

"Fruitcake" is an English slang term that appeared in the early 20th century, drawing on the idea that a cake packed with mixed fruits is "mixed up" or chaotic. By metaphor, it came to describe someone who is eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable, implying unpredictability or irrationality. The term is used in informal speech, often humorously, teasingly, or critically, especially in American English. It is mildly to moderately derogatory, targeting mental state or behavior rather than being strongly vulgar, though it can be offensive if used seriously.

Examples
My uncle is a harmless old fruitcake who believes he's invented perpetual motion.
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