PhrasesHub

Sell like hotcakes

    Definitions

      • To sell quickly and in large quantities
        Used when describing the success or popularity of a product or item being sold

      • To be in high demand
        Used when describing something that is being bought or sought after by many people

    Examples of Sell like hotcakes

    • This new product is selling like hotcakes!

      This idiom is used to describe something that is being sold very quickly and in large quantities, as if it were as popular as hotcakes. Hotcakes are a type of pancake that are traditionally cooked on a griddle and served hot with syrup or other toppings. The phrase "selling like hotcakes" implies that the product is in high demand and is being snapped up by customers as soon as it becomes available.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "sell like hotcakes" is used to describe a product or item that is selling quickly and in high quantities. It is often used in a positive sense to indicate the popularity and success of the item being sold. This phrase can also be used to describe something that is in high demand and being sought after by many people.

    Origin of "Sell like hotcakes"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 19th century in the United States. During this time, hotcakes, also known as pancakes, were a popular breakfast food that were often sold at fairs, festivals, and other events. These pancakes were considered a treat and were in high demand, selling quickly and in large quantities.

    The phrase "sell like hotcakes" became popularized in the mid-1800s and was first recorded in print in 1839 in the newspaper The Athenaeum. It is believed that the phrase was used in reference to the hotcakes being sold at fairs and how quickly they were being bought by customers. Over time, the phrase became more commonly used to describe the success and popularity of any product or item that was selling quickly and in high demand.

    Overall, the origin of the idiom "sell like hotcakes" can be traced back to the popularity and demand for hotcakes in the 19th century. Its usage has evolved to encompass any product or item that is selling quickly and in high quantities, indicating its success and popularity among consumers.