Meaning & Definition of word "Spade"
to
Spade
/speɪd/
noun:
- 1. A tool for digging, typically consisting of a broad, flat blade with a long handle.
- Example: He used a spade to dig up the flower bed.
- 2. A playing card bearing one or more black symbols shaped like a heart with a stem.
- Example: She drew a spade from the deck during the game.
- 3. A spade (the suit) in a card game.
- Example: In poker, having three spades can make for a strong hand.
verb:
- 1. To dig or move earth with a spade.
- Example: They began to spade the soil in preparation for planting.
Etymology
Middle English 'spade', from Old English 'spæde', related to Proto-Germanic '*spēdō'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
call a spade a spade:
To speak plainly and directly about something, without euphemism.
spade work:
The preliminary, often less glamorous work done to prepare for something.
dig your own grave (with a spade):
To create a difficult situation for oneself.
Related Words
shovel:
A tool similar to a spade used for digging and moving bulk material.
garden fork:
A tool with a handle and several prongs used for loosening soil.
hoe:
A gardening tool with a long handle and a flat blade for shaping soil.
Slang Meanings of spade
Meaning: An offensive term for a Black person.
Example Sentence: Using that term is considered highly disrespectful.
Meaning: To spade someone means to deceive or cheat them.
Example Sentence: He was spaded in the poker game.