English Reference
noun · verb

cupcake

n. · v.
US /ˈkəpˌkeɪk/ UK /kˈʌpkeɪk/ cup·cake UK spelling cupcakes

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Cooking

    n.a small cake for one person, usually baked in a paper cup and covered with icing.

    n.a small, individual-sized cake baked in a cup-shaped foil or paper container, typically topped with frosting.

    Simple

    She brought a box of chocolate cupcakes to the office for her birthday.

    In context

    The bakery specialises in gourmet cupcakes decorated with edible flowers and complex buttercream patterns.

    fairy cakemuffin
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a sweet name you call someone you love, like a partner or a child.

    n.a term of endearment used to address a romantic partner or a close friend.

    Simple

    Don't worry about the mess, cupcake; I will help you clean it up.

    In context

    While some find the pet name 'cupcake' charming, others consider it overly sentimental or even patronising in a professional setting.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangAmerican English Sport

    n.a sports team or player that is very easy to beat.

    n.an unskilled player or team, particularly one scheduled as an easy win for a much stronger opponent.

    Simple

    The champion's next fight is against a total cupcake who has no chance of winning.

    In context

    Critics argued that the university's football schedule was padded with cupcakes to ensure an undefeated season before the playoffs.

    pushovereasy win
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency SlangInformal

    v.to talk or act in a romantic way with someone you like.

    v.to engage in amorous or intimate conversation; to flirt.

    Simple

    They spent the whole evening cupcaking in the corner of the café.

    In context

    The two teenagers were so busy cupcaking on the phone that they completely forgot about their homework assignment.


From cup + cake.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated