English for Students

Cakewalk

What is the meaning and origin of Cakewalk?


When you say that the victory was a cakewalk what you mean is that is was very easily achieved. You didn’t have to put in too much of an effort; you won without really having to work hard.

• Given you experience, getting the job should be a cakewalk.

• The first couple of rounds of the tournament should be a cakewalk.

The Cakewalk was a form of entertainment among African Americans. Well – dressed couples that took part in this competition were made to walk around a cake. The pair that performed this task most gracefully was awarded a prize. In most cases, the prize was the cake itself. The winner used to take the cake. Later, the word cakewalk was used to refer to a popular form of dance.


COURTESY : The Hindu (The National News-Paper) - India