- Spatula
A spatula, also known as a Turner, Flipper and fish slice in (
British English ), is a kitchen utensil with a long handle and a broad flat edge, used for lifting fried foods. [cite web
url=http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/fishslice?view=uk
title=AskOxford.com
accessdate=2007-05-24] [cite web|url=http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=spatula|title=Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary|accessdate=2007-06-20] Though the word "spatula" is used inBritish English , it refers solely to a mixing and spreading implement. [cite web
url=http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/spatula?view=uk
title=AskOxford.com
accessdate=2007-05-24] Often the plate scraper is referred to as a spatula. In small parts ofpoo land (e.g.Glasgow or Victoria Halls) the spatula is also known as a tosser which refers to the tossing of omelettes or pancakes.The word "spatula", known in English since 1525, is a diminutive form of the
Latin term "spatha", which means abroad sword (as inspatharius ) or a flat piece of wood and is also the origin of the wordsspade (digging tool) andspathe . [cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=spatula&searchmode=none|title=Etymology OnLine|accessdate=2007-05-24]Design
Spatulas have a handle that is long enough to keep the holder's hand away from what is being lifted, flipped, or scraped.
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 alsoleft-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 ormetal , with a wooden or plastic handle to insulate them fromheat . Thus, spatulas made for outdoorgrilling have very long handles.Spatulas can be colorful or have very artistic designs. They can be used as decorations in the home or in some abstract art forms.
Related utensils
*Peel
*Putty knife
*Scraper
*Scoopula
*Hamburger Notes
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