Selling like hot cakes

The expression “selling like hotcakes” is especially common in the business and marketing world. It means “selling very quickly, effortlessly and in quantity.” The expression originated in the colonial times of America when people would make cakes out of cornmeal and bear grease or pork lard.

Apparently these cakes were very tasty and became very popular when sold at any social gathering. Of course, the cakes tasted the best when they were hot and so they were given the name hotcakes. The cakes were so popular in fact that, by the 19^th century, the phrase “selling like hotcakes” had already been coined.

Selling like hotcakes.

Nowadays, the expression refers to more than just cornmeal cakes dipped in grease. It can apply to anything that is sold quickly, with little effort and in great quantity. Here is an example of how this phrase is used in a sentence:

It was a good idea to use magnets as a fundraiser for our trip. They are selling like hotcakes, so we should have the money we need very soon.

Here is another example of how this expression is used: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,333841,00.html

The article tells how Krispy Kreme Donuts became popular. The title of the article is a sort of play on words because the donuts sold very quickly and in great quantity, and yet they are a sort of “cake” that is best served hot.