Whisk
A whisk is a cooking utensil which can be used to blend ingredients smooth or to incorporate air into a mixture, in a process known as whisking or whipping. Most whisks consist of a long, narrow handle with a series of wire loops joined at the end. The wires are usually metal, but some are plastic for use with nonstick cookware. Whisks are also made from bamboo.
Whisks are commonly used to whip egg whites into a firm foam to make meringue, or to whip cream into whipped cream.
Whisks have differently-shaped loops depending on their intended functions:
Wisk
Wisk is a defunct laundry detergent manufactured by Sun Products and sold in the United States from 1956 to 2017.
Wisk was launched in 1956 by Lever Brothers as the first liquid laundry detergent. The brand was widely known for its successful “Ring Around The Collar” campaign introduced in 1968, spotlighting sometimes-difficult to treat stains that appeared on shirt collars, and the product’s ability to help fight them. The campaign received significant criticism decades later for being misogynist, with the implication that it was the fault of wives for letting their husbands leave home with dirty collars.
In 2008, Wisk was purchased by Sun Products after Lever Brothers’ parent company Unilever divested its North American laundry brands. In 2010, Wisk was re-launched with a new formulation with new packaging, featuring its new Stain Spectrum Technology and its ability to fight tough stains. A new advertising campaign was also launched, that features the “science of stain fighting”.
The brand came in a variety of formulations, including “Deep Clean”, “High Efficiency”, “Fresh Boost” and “Oxi Complete”.
In June 2016, Henkel bought Sun Products, the maker of Wisk, and decided to discontinue the brand in favor of Persil, which had recently been introduced to the American market as a ‘premium’ detergent.
Whisk (noun)
A quick, light sweeping motion.
“With a quick whisk, she swept the cat from the pantry with her broom.”
Whisk (noun)
A kitchen utensil, made from stiff wire loops fixed to a handle, used for whipping (or a mechanical device with the same function).
“He used a whisk to whip up a light and airy souffle.”
Whisk (noun)
A bunch of twigs or hair etc, used as a brush.
“Peter dipped the whisk in lather and applied it to his face, so he could start shaving.”
Whisk (noun)
A small handheld broom with a small (or no) handle.
“I used a whisk to sweep the counter, then a push-broom for the floor.”
Whisk (noun)
A plane used by coopers for evening chines.
Whisk (noun)
A kind of cape, forming part of a woman’s dress.
Whisk (noun)
An impertinent fellow.
Whisk (noun)
The card game whist.
Whisk (verb)
To move something with quick light sweeping motions.
“Vernon whisked the sawdust from his workbench.”
Whisk (verb)
In cooking, to whip e.g. eggs or cream.
“The chef prepared to whisk the egg whites for the angel’s food cake.”
Whisk (verb)
To move something rapidly and with no warning.
“The governess whisked the children from the room before they could see their presents.”
Whisk (verb)
To move lightly and nimbly.
“The children whisked down the road to the fair, laughing and chattering as they went.”
Whisk (verb)
take or move (someone or something) somewhere suddenly and quickly
“his jacket was whisked away for dry-cleaning”
“he whisked her off to Paris for a few days”
Whisk (verb)
beat or stir (a substance, especially cream or eggs) with a light, rapid movement.
Whisk (noun)
a utensil for whipping eggs or cream.
Whisk (noun)
a bunch of grass, twigs, or bristles for removing dust or flies.
Whisk (noun)
a brief, rapid action or movement
“a whisk round St Basil’s cathedral”