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golden syrup
DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
Spelling variants:Golden Syrup
Non-Canadianism
This is a word that our editors have determined is not a Canadianism.
n. — Food
a thick sweet syrup; light treacle.
The term golden syrup refers to a golden-coloured liquid that is a by-product of the sugar refining process (see COD-2, s.v. "golden syrup"). It is most comparable to corn syrup (see the 1985 and 1987 quotations). As seen in Chart 1, the term does not appear to be particularly Canadian, but rather is most common in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the US. As seen in the 2007 quotation, the term is classified in the Canadian context as an "English product".
COD-2, s.v. "golden syrup", labels the term "Cdn & Brit.". The evidence shows, however, that the term is not a Canadianism.
COD-2, s.v. "golden syrup", labels the term "Cdn & Brit.". The evidence shows, however, that the term is not a Canadianism.
Quotations
1853
[A vinegar plant] is usually placed in a small jar containing a solution of sugar, treacle (golden syrup), and water; and after being allowed to remain for six or eight weeks in the kitchen cupboard, or other warm situation [sic], the solution is found to be converted into vinegar, this change being due to a kind of fermentation caused by the plant.
1854
JOHN MITCHELL & Co., OFFER FOR SALE, at their Stores, Front Street- [...] 10 Boxes Loaf Sugar, 32 Barrels Golden Syrup, 28 Bags Pepper.
1896
Flemish Beauty Pears, 15c.
Pure Maple Syrup, 20c.
Golden Syrup, 2-lb. tins, 10c.
Lime Fruit Juice, 20c.
1978
[Old Les] slings gallon-buckets on a rope around his waist and when one is full he pulls an empty into place. He is a moving collector's item of old gallon buckets, peanut butter, golden syrup, molasses, honey, lard, maple syrup.
1985
A favorite Cornish nursery treat is called "thunder and lightning," in which a thick slice of fresh bread is spread thickly with cream - the thunder - and then drizzled with golden syrup or treacle (molasses) in a zig-zag pattern - the lightning.
1987
KING GEORGE'S
CHRISTMAS PUDDING
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour [...]
1tablespoon golden syrup or molasses [...]
Serve with brandy butter or hard sauce.
1996
Golden syrup, rhubarb and tomato ketchup are threatening to spill from their aging containers in Scott's Cape Evans hut, and nitrate film left behind by photographer Herbert Ponting is in danger of spontaneously combusting.
2005
Check Superstore and specialty gourmet shops for items like golden syrup, avocado oil, Dilmah tea, Steinlager beer and those chocolate cookies called Afghans.
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