If there are different meanings to the word 'fruitcake' how do I know which is the correct one?

Question

To a previous question it was replied that it could be an edible cake, a nutty person or a homosexual. But may there not be also a nutty cake?

Answer 1

If someone says, "I brought you a fruitcake," chances are they don't mean the two latter examples.
If someone says, "He is a fruitcake!" chances are they're living 20 years in the past and are talking about a homosexual man.
If someone actually uses fruitcake to describe someone insane, they need an update on their vocabulary and you really shouldn't hang around with them.

Answer 2

It depends on the context. If you are discussing something which can be bought, something which can be served at table and something which you can cook and slice, then of course it is the edible cake. We don't often talk about nutty cake and in fact the only ones which spring to mind are walnut cake and pecan pie.
If a person is being described as being "as nutty as a fruitcake", then of course he is being criticised as being eccentric or even insane. You wouldn't use the word "fruitcake" on its own in that context.

Answer 3

It could also be a fruity cake. A fruitcake is a dark, rich cake. There is a debate as to whether my friend John's grandmother makes the best fruitcake in the world, or whether it is my mother in law. The answer will probably never be known.

Answer 4

Fruitcake is a cake made with candied fruit and usually liquior.
It is also used to as a way of describing some one who acts "crazy"...i.e. Betty is a fruitcake she ran down the street naked.
It is also used as a name for homosexuals.

Answer 5

a nutty cake would have a different name

Answer 6

Check a good dictionary and pick the best choice for the situation. English words often have more than one meaning.

Answer 7

they're is fruit AND nuts in fruit cake

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fruitcake