Lexicology
The pronunciation of the word within the United Kingdom varies. According to one academic study, two-thirds of the British population pronounce it /ˈskɒn/ with the preference rising to 99% in the Scottish population. This is also the pronunciation of Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders. Other regions, particularly the United States, pronounce the word as /ˈskoʊn/. British dictionaries usually show the "con" form as the preferred pronunciation, while recognising that the "cone" form also exists.
The difference in pronunciation is alluded to in the poem which contains the lines:
- "I asked the maid in dulcet tone
- To order me a buttered scone
- The silly girl has been and gone
- And ordered me a buttered scone."
The Oxford English Dictionary reports that the first mention of the word was in 1513. The word scone derives perhaps from the Middle Dutch schoonbrood (fine white bread), from schoon (pure, clean) and brood (bread).
The word scone may also derive from the Gaelic term "sgonn" meaning a shapeless mass or large mouthful. The Middle Low German term "Schönbrot" meaning fine bread may also have played a role in the origination of this word. Or, perhaps, the word is based on the town of Scone, Scotland.
Read more about this topic: Scone