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johnnycake†
[< Am. E; origin obscure]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n.
a thin flat cake made of cornmeal.
See: journey cake
American evidence for johnnycake is somewhat earlier than that for journey cake which has often been suggested as the source of this word. Other suggested sources are the name Johnny and jonakin a thin wafer (see Dictionary of Americanisms), perhaps of Indian origin.
Quotations
1826
Indian meal is also sometimes made into cakes, which are called Johnny cakes. . . .
1942
"Think of all the johnny-cake we'll grow on that patch." "You'll be planting corn, then."
1964
. . . Johnny cake [was made] except in those ultra-loyal sections where an American dish was considered disloyal.
2n. — Obs.
a similar cake made of wheat flour.
Quotations
1852
First, I want you to lend me ten pounds of flour to make some Johnnie cakes.
1887
Some of the wheat we took turns grinding in the coffee mill for porridge, sifting some for johnny cake, as the corn meal is all used.