A spatula, known as a fish slice in British English, is a kitchen utensil with a long handle and a broad flat edge, used for lifting fish and fried foods.[1][2] Though the word spatula is used in British English, it refers solely to a mixing and spreading implement.[3] In parts of Canada and the United States, spatulas are sometimes called flippers. They are used both in the preparation of food, as a flipping implement, and in the serving of food. The word spatula, known in English since 1525, is a diminutive form of the Latin term spatha, which means a broad sword (as in spatharius) or a flat piece of wood and is also the origin of the words spade (digging tool) and spathe.[4]
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Design
Spatulas have a handle that is long enough to keep the holder's hand away from what is being lifted, or flipped. The blade of the device is wide and/or thin. The shape of the blade varies, with square and rectangular shapes being most common. The blade is usually somewhat flexible. Spatula blades are often longer on the right side than the left, as this is more effective for right-handed people. There are also left-handed spatulas, but these are rare. Most have long slots on the blades to allow liquids to flow through, though some have holes or no perforations at all. Spatulas are usually made of plastic or metal, with a wooden or plastic handle to insulate them from heat. Thus, spatulas made for outdoor grilling have very long handles.
Spatulas in popular culture
- Spatula City is a fictional spatula dealer in "Weird Al" Yankovic's movie UHF.
- "Spatula Madness"[1] is a movie by Jason Steele where the main character and associates are spatulas.
- The goldfish in the office of Sam and Max is called "Mr. Spatula".
Related utensils
Notes
- ^ AskOxford.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-24.
- ^ Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
- ^ AskOxford.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-24.
- ^ Etymology OnLine. Retrieved on 2007-05-24.
