Cheesecake Vs Cheese Cake: The Final Choice
What To Know
- This compound word has been used for centuries to refer to a dish made with cheese and a bread-like base.
- It emerged in the 19th century as a result of a misunderstanding of the original spelling.
- Cheesepie is a related dish that is made with a pastry crust instead of a bread-like base.
The classic dessert known as “cheesecake” has sparked a long-standing debate over its correct spelling: cheesecake or cheese cake. While both spellings are commonly used, there are distinct grammatical and historical reasons that support one over the other.
Etymology and Historical Usage
The word “cheesecake” originates from the Old English terms “cēse” (cheese) and “cāce” (cake). This compound word has been used for centuries to refer to a dish made with cheese and a bread-like base. The spelling “cheesecake” has been consistently used in English literature and dictionaries since the 14th century.
On the other hand, the spelling “cheese cake” is a more recent invention. It emerged in the 19th century as a result of a misunderstanding of the original spelling. Some people mistakenly believed that “cheesecake” was a compound noun made up of two separate words: “cheese” and “cake.” This led them to write it as “cheese cake” to emphasize the two components.
Grammatical Analysis
From a grammatical standpoint, “cheesecake” is the correct spelling. According to the rules of English grammar, compound nouns that refer to a single entity should be written as one word. For example, we write “blackboard,” “bedroom,” and “toothpaste.” Similarly, since “cheesecake” refers to a single dish, it should be written as one word without a hyphen.
Modern Usage and Variations
While “cheesecake” is the traditionally accepted spelling, the spelling “cheese cake” has also gained some popularity in recent years, particularly in informal settings and recipes. This is likely due to the influence of American English, where hyphenated compound nouns are more common.
There are also regional variations in the spelling of cheesecake. In some parts of the United States, particularly the South, “cheese cake” is the preferred spelling.
Summary: The Verdict
Based on etymology, historical usage, and grammatical principles, the correct spelling of the classic dessert is cheesecake. While “cheese cake” may be an acceptable alternative in certain contexts, “cheesecake” remains the preferred and more accurate spelling.
Cheesecake vs Cheese Cake: A Comparison
| Feature | Cheesecake | Cheese Cake |
| — | — | — |
| Etymology | Old English “cēse” and “cāce” | Misunderstood as a compound noun |
| Historical Usage | Used since the 14th century | Emerged in the 19th century |
| Grammatical Rule | Compound nouns referring to a single entity should be written as one word | Hyphenated compound nouns are more common in American English |
| Modern Usage | Preferred spelling | Acceptable alternative in informal settings |
| Regional Variations | “Cheese cake” preferred in some parts of the United States | “Cheesecake” more common elsewhere |
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Why is “cheesecake” spelled with one word?
“Cheesecake” is a compound noun that refers to a single dish. According to English grammar rules, compound nouns should be written as one word.
2. Is “cheese cake” an acceptable spelling?
While “cheese cake” is a less preferred spelling, it is sometimes used in informal settings and recipes, particularly in American English.
3. What is the difference between cheesecake and cheese cake?
There is no significant difference between cheesecake and cheese cake. The spelling “cheesecake” is simply the more grammatically correct and historically accepted form.
4. How do you spell cheesecake in British English?
In British English, the spelling “cheesecake” is used exclusively.
5. What is the difference between cheesecake and cheesepie?
Cheesepie is a related dish that is made with a pastry crust instead of a bread-like base.