scratch pad
C1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
A small pad of paper for writing quick, temporary notes or doing preliminary calculations.
A temporary memory storage area in computing; any resource or space used for rough work or initial ideas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The computing sense (scratchpad memory) is technical. The literal paper sense is concrete and everyday.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties. The compound spelling 'scratchpad' is increasingly common, especially in computing. 'Scrap of paper' or 'notepad' might be more frequent alternatives in UK everyday speech.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In computing, it's a standard technical term.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English for the physical object, but the computing term is universal in tech contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + keep/have + a scratch pad[Subject] + jot/scribble + [Object] + on + a scratch pad[Subject] + use + a scratch pad + for + [gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no direct idioms; related to 'from scratch' but distinct]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in meetings for quick notes: 'Let me check my scratch pad for those figures.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing; used for preliminary research notes or calculations.
Everyday
Common for shopping lists or phone messages: 'I wrote the number on the scratch pad by the phone.'
Technical
Standard term in computer architecture for a small, high-speed memory buffer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need a scratch pad to write the shopping list.
- The teacher uses a scratch pad for quick notes.
- He always keeps a scratch pad next to the phone for messages.
- I jotted the idea down on my scratch pad before I forgot it.
- The engineer used a digital scratch pad to simulate the initial calculations.
- My desk is littered with sketches from my scratch pad.
- The processor's scratch pad memory allows for ultra-fast data manipulation.
- Her novel began as a series of disjointed paragraphs in a tattered scratch pad.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (scratching) sitting on a pad of paper, leaving marks – a 'scratch pad' for quick marks/notes.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A WRITING SURFACE (ideas are temporary inscriptions).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'царапающий блокнот'. Use 'блокнот для черновиков' or 'записная книжка'.
- The computing term is 'быстрая буферная память' or 'scratchpad-память'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'scratch pad' with 'scratch paper' (AE) or 'scrap paper' (BE). 'Scratch pad' implies a bound pad; 'scratch/scrap paper' is loose.
- Using it as a verb ('I scratch-padded it') is non-standard.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'scratch pad' MOST likely used in its technical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable. 'Scratch pad' (two words) is traditional for the paper product. 'Scratchpad' (one word) is common in computing and increasingly for the physical object.
A scratch pad is typically smaller, cheaper, and intended for temporary, disposable notes. A notepad can be more formal and used for more organised notes.
No, it is not standard. Use phrases like 'jot down on a scratch pad' or 'make a note on a scratch pad'.
'Jotter' or 'scribbling pad' are close equivalents, though 'scratch pad' is also understood and used.