The Great British Bake Off is back, as a brand new batch of budding bakers compete in 10 weeks of tasty challenges in a bid to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

But while most will be familiar with the signature, technical and showstopper challenges and what they mean, Bake Off has no shortage of other rather unique words and phrases.

In fact, if this is the first time you've watched the Great British Bake Off, you might have noticed that long-term fans use an entirely different vocabulary when it comes to discussing the show.

So whether you're confused by crème pat or perplexed by proving, we've got you covered.

Without further ado, here is our handy Bake Off glossary.

The Great British Bake Off slang guide

1. Soggy bottom

While a soggy bottom is sure to get a giggle or two from viewers at home, it's no laughing matter for the bakers.

In the Bake Off world, a soggy bottom occurs when a bake hasn't been cooked for long enough, leaving a raw centre and soggy base.

The dreaded soggy bottoms usually strike whenever the bakers are tasked with making pies or tarts, and are often met with Paul Hollywood's icy stare.

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2. The Gingham Altar

While the judges walk around to judge each contestant's signature bake at their workstations, the bakers must carry their often towering creations to the front of the tent for the technical and showstopper challenges.

The "Gingham Altar" refers to the large table at the front, where the judging takes place.

3. Star Baker

Also known as the two words any contestant wants to hear, being named Star Baker is the ultimate Bake Off prize.

Each episode ends with Prue and Paul naming the week's Star Baker, usually the contestant who improved the most or performed the best across all three challenges.

The overall Star Baker is then named in the grand finale, receiving a glass cake stand and a bunch of flowers for their baking efforts.

Peter Sawkins was Bake Off 2020's Star Baker

Peter Sawkins was Bake Off 2020's Star Baker

4. Hollywood handshake

Second only to being named Star Baker, receiving a Hollywood handshake is one of the greatest achievements a baker can hope for during their time in the tent.

The lesser spotted Hollywood handshake is Paul's highest form of praise, and means the Bake Off judge sees the bake in question as perfection.

5. Crème pat

As another term that's just casually thrown around the Bake Off tent, often without much context, Bake Off newbies might well be left wondering what on earth crème pat is.

Well, it's actually short for crème patissière, a kind of rich custard commonly made with flour, egg yolk and sugar and used to fill pastries or tarts.

When it comes to Bake Off challenges, expect the judges to complain about lumpy and/or over-mixed crème pats at least twice a series.

6. Proving

Proving is another common baking term that all Bake Off viewers will soon become very familiar with.

When making bread, proving is the process of allowing the dough to rise, and is the final stage before the mixture reaches the oven.

The bakers need to be careful though, as under or over-proofing your dough can end with disastrous results.

7. Even bake

If a soggy bottom is the worst case scenario, an "even bake'' is at the other end of the baking spectrum, referring to a bake that has been in the oven for exactly the right amount of time.

The tell-tale signs of an even bake are a nice light brown colour and approving nods from Prue and Paul as they cut into a cake.

The Great British Bake Off airs on Tuesdays on Channel 4 at 8pm

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