spade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A spade typically has a flat, rectangular blade with a sharp edge for cutting into soil and slicing through roots. A shovel often has a curved, rounded blade with raised sides, designed more for scooping and lifting loose material like dirt or snow.

The meanings related to the gardening tool or playing card are not offensive. However, 'spade' has been used historically as a highly offensive racial slur against Black people. This usage is now considered archaic but profoundly derogatory. Language learners should be aware of this to avoid unintended offence.

The phrase originates from a translation of a phrase by the ancient Greek biographer Plutarch, which appeared in Erasmus's work. The original Greek metaphor referred to 'calling a fig a fig and a trough a trough.' It was later mistranslated into Latin and then English, substituting 'trough' for 'spade,' and the modern version was cemented in the 16th century.

Yes, though it's less common. To 'spade' means to dig, cut, or work with a spade (e.g., 'spading the garden'). It's a regular verb: spade, spaded, spading.

A tool with a sharp-edged, typically rectangular metal blade and a long handle, used for digging or cutting earth.

Spade is usually neutral for tool/card meanings; highly offensive/vulgar for racial slur meaning. in register.

Spade: in British English it is pronounced /speɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /speɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.