In Their Eyes Were Watching God

, Tea Cake is called Tea Cake because people couldn't easily say his real name, which is Vergible Woods. The nickname also reflects how sweet Janie finds him.

Why are they called tea cakes?

Tea cakes originated in Britain and were served, as the name implies, with afternoon tea. ... Recipes for tea cakes were passed down in families. Often the cookie was plain – much like a sugar cookie but usually softer (although there are crisp versions).

What are tea cakes called?

Early tea cakes went by names like Jackson Jumbles and Democratic Tea Cakes, powerful monikers for a cookie. And depending on where you grew up and what was in your larder, the tea cake might have been slightly salty from lard, rich from butter, or fluffy from vegetable shortening.