From Where Did the Name Flapjacks Originate?
The name flapjacks originated in the 1600s in England. The “flap” part of flapjack dates back to the 1300s when “flap” was used in place of “to flip.”
It is uncertain as to what the “jack” in flapjack means, but it is often speculated to refer to the small size of a flapjack as “jack” was used to refer to something that was smaller than normal.
The flapjack was originally used to describe a pancake; however, the word flapjack has been used to mean a number of different foods including an apple turnover. The apple turnover is known as an applejack or flapjack in many parts of England and is a cookie made by combining rolled oats and syrup. In the 20th century, the word flapjack was also used to mean a “compact case for face powder.”
Flapjacks are still served throughout the world with restaurants, such as the Flapjack Shack in Traverse City, Mich. Flapjacks are often served with syrup, whip cream, chocolate chips, caramel, cherry, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, pumpkin flavoring and other spices. Many restaurants choose to also offer candy as a topping. When not using the word flapjack, many people describe the food as a pancake or griddlecake.
