2006-09-06 05:05:12 · 5 answers · asked by Ray F 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Yes, I agree with the others, that "made from scratch" means not from the box/tube/package, etc. But that does not really answer the question, does it? The question to me is: Why the word "scratch"? What is up with that? So, from "The Stupid Question Archives":
"Scratch is not a material used in making an item; it’s the condition under which the item is made. In fact, scratch is not something. It’s nothing. Making something from scratch does not, of course, mean you conjure it supernaturally from the void. All this will become clear as we look at the history of the word “scratch,” and if you think of, say, Duncan Hines cake mix as the baking equivalent of a golf handicap. “Scratch” began life in the 1400s or so as a verb meaning specifically to make small abrasions to or cuts in the skin."
The site (link below) goes on to give the long etymology of the word and how it finally came to be tied to the phrase as we now use it -- I hope you will be curious enough to click and read it all. I find it is a bit too long to simply cut and paste & too complex to simplify! But very interesting.
2006-09-06 06:39:25 · answer #1 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When cave men scratched innovative ideas for new devices and technology into the sand and the side of cave walls. Then they built on those ideas.
To make something from scratch, most commonly used in cooking, means to make it from the base ingredients, with no pre-made mixes or pre-cooked parts.
2006-09-06 12:07:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it all started years and years ago. the town spunk was called scratch. everyone lusted after scratch.
the term scratch your itch also came about from this same person.
scratch wouldn't put out for the town Governor so the Governor decided that scratches time was up.
Alas scratch was scratched.
The town folk were mortified. they wept and morned. but on the 10th day they held a huge celebration in honour of the departed scratch. as huge cake was brought fourth and given to the Governor.
the Governor was delighted and beamingly asked who the maker of the delicious cake was. A stooped old woman steped forward and thanked the govern and told him she was so happy that he enjoyed the fruits of her labour. He insisted that she write down every ingredient so his manservant Gregory could replicate the lovely treat.
the old woman obliged and went off to write down the recipe . she handed the note to the man servant (Gregory)..the govern snatched the note out of the man servants hand and eagerly perused the contents..
On the note in a scrawled hand were 3 words "made from scratch"
The Governor was so taken aback he fell down dead.
2006-09-10 07:26:47 · answer #3 · answered by luckycat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
made from scratch means to start with basic ingredients and come up with an end product , as in cookies that mom makes at home (not from tthe tube) are made from scratch
2006-09-06 12:39:16 · answer #4 · answered by russ k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the old way to make a cake was to have all the stuff and thus made from scratch.not store bought packaged stuff.
2006-09-06 13:15:48 · answer #5 · answered by lcayote 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋