The Extraordinary Story Of Why A 'Cakewalk' Wasn't Always Easy

[Matthew Mickletz]

I know the phrase of "cake walk" has been brought up on here before as an occasion where a banjo and minstrel tunes could be found.  Here is a recent article on cake walks, and mention of minstrel shows:  The Extraordinary Story Of Why A 'Cakewalk' Wasn't Always Easy

Enjoy!

[Norm Walker]

Thanks for that very interesting piece Matthew. The term "Cakewalk" has always been American to me, as it is not really a term we use here, so now I know its origin. Like many expressions it is rooted in history and culture. I enjoyed reading it Matthew, thank you.

[Bob DeVellis]

I don't think I'd hear of the term "cakewalk" to refer to a simple task.  I always thought it was "a piece of cake," which may be a corruption of "cakewalk."  I wonder if there are regional differences in which of the terms are used.  Either way, it's useful to be reminded of the origin of these terms.

[Norm Walker]

In Australia you do hear the expression "a piece of cake" and, as Bob says, it may be a corruption of cakewalk.

[OK-4]

The term is definitely used for a simple task (e.g. Kenneth Adelman on Iraq). Seems like a misuse, perhaps inspired by the phrase "piece of cake".

Bob DeVellis said:

I don't think I'd hear of the term "cakewalk" to refer to a simple task.  I always thought it was "a piece of cake," which may be a corruption of "cakewalk."  I wonder if there are regional differences in which of the terms are used.  Either way, it's useful to be reminded of the origin of these terms.