The Origins of the Phrase 'From Scratch': Tracing Its Historical and Cultural Roots

What Is the Origin of the Phrase 'From Scratch'?

The phrase from scratch is a commonly used idiom in the English language, often misinterpreted as

Historical Evidence and Usage Over Time

The phrase “from scratch” has a long and convoluted history. The earliest known use of this idiom dates back to 1878, as evidenced by this excerpt from The Athletic World and Journal of English Sports (1878):

“Two days after he walked over for the mile challenge cup of the L.A.C. June 5th he again competed at the Ilford Olympian sports and won the quarter-mile, half-mile and one-mile handicaps the two latter from scratch. ...”

According to the Google Ngram Viewer, the frequency of the term “from scratch” has been on an upward trajectory over the years, reflecting its increasing use in literature and daily conversation.

The Meaning and Context

The term “from scratch” commonly means starting from the beginning or from nothing. In cooking, it can refer to preparing a dish using only basic ingredients, with no pre-made components. For example, if you were to make beer using fresh ingredients like hops, you would be making it “from scratch.”

The term can also be used in a broader context, indicating a complete start without any prior foundation or base. This can apply to projects, plans, or even personal goals. For instance, starting a new business venture without any prior connections or resources would be described as starting “from scratch.”

The Etymology of “From Scratch”

The exact origin of the phrase remains somewhat obscure, but evidence suggests that it may have been derived from the term “scratch” as a line in a race.

The Oxford English Dictionary traces the origin of “scratch” to the starting-line of a race. In races, a scratch was a line where runners started, and a competitor who started from this line with no advantage was described as starting “from scratch.” This implied a level playing field where all competitors began with equal standing.

Even in the context of competition, the phrase “from scratch” emphasizes a fair start, free from any external advantages or handicaps. It is this sense of a clean slate that has been adapted to a range of modern contexts.

Other Related Phrase Origins

Related phrases such as “starting over” and “starting from square one” also share a similar context. In U.S. English, “starting over” is a phrase that means to begin anew, while in British English, “starting from scratch” is used to indicate the same. Additionally, the phrase “starting from square one” has roots in early radio commentary during Outside Broadcasting (OB) for sports. Commentators would divide the pitch into a chess-like grid, with each square numbered for easy reference. Hence, “starting from square one” means returning to the very beginning of a task or project.

These phrases reflect the cultural and linguistic evolution of starting anew and how different regions and time periods have adapted the concept to suit their contexts.

Conclusion

“From scratch” is a versatile phrase that has evolved over time to convey the idea of starting without any prior preparation or foundation. Its origins in racing terminology have given way to broader usage in various English-speaking contexts. Understanding the historical and cultural roots of this phrase can provide valuable insights into the evolution of the English language and the cultural practices that shaped it.

By examining the various contextual usages of “from scratch,” we can better appreciate the diverse ways in which language is shaped and adapted to meet the needs of its users.