Spatula

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For other uses, see Spatula (disambiguation).

A common spatula design

A spatula, also known as a fish slice in British English, is a kitchen utensil with a long handle and a broad flat edge, used for lifting fish and fried foods.^[1]^[2] Though the word spatula is used in British English, it refers solely to a mixing and spreading implement.^[3] In parts of Canada and the United States, spatulas are sometimes called flippers or turners. They are used both in the preparation of food, as a flipping implement, and in the serving of food. Often the plate scraper is referred to as a spatula.

The word spatula, known in English since 1525, is a diminutive form of the Latin term spatha, which means a broad sword (as in spatharius) or a flat piece of wood and is also the origin of the words spade (digging tool) and spathe.^[4]

[edit] Design

Spatulas have a handle that is long enough to keep the holder's hand away from what is being lifted, flipped, or scraped.

The blade of the device is wide and/or thin. The shape of the blade varies, with square and rectangular shapes being most common. The blade is usually somewhat flexible. Spatula blades are often longer on the right side than the left, as this is more effective for right-handed people. There are also left-handed spatulas, but these are rare. Most have long slots on the blades to allow liquids to flow through, though some have holes or no perforations at all.

Spatulas are usually made of plastic or metal, with a wooden or plastic handle to insulate them from heat. Thus, spatulas made for outdoor grilling have very long handles.

In the United States, common use of the word spatula when describing a "flipper" has led many to classify flippers as spatulas. It is believed that Americans and Canadians began using spatula to describe various kitchen utensils because of innovations in home cooking during the 1950s. Flippers are bent, whereas a spatula is not.

Spatulas can be colorful or have very artistic designs. They can be used as decorations in the home or in some abstract art forms.