pat-a-cake

[ pat-uh-keyk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a children's game in which a child claps hands alone and with another child while chanting a nursery rhyme.

First recorded in 1870–75; after the opening words of a rhyme that accompanies such play

Just imagine our kiddies in the workhouse school getting a whole pat-a-cake to eat!

Even baby has its "pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake," and is lulled to sleep with visions of a coach and six little ponies.

Barby stooped to take the little terrier's head between her hands and pat-a-cake it back and forth with an affectionate caress.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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