confusing sayings

[erm...]

we say 'selling like hotcakes', but how do hotcakes sell? is it ment to mean they are selling fast or slow?

[pringle]

The phrase implies that the product is selling very well indeed - just as cakes would when fresh from the oven..Mmmm lovely and soft....

[Quizmonster]

The phrase was first used in print in a book published in 1839 by the American author C F Briggs. He wrote: "You had better buy 'em, Colonel," said Mr Lummucks, "they will sell like hot cakes." The suggestion of the need for haste tells you that they would sell quickly.