Why is shortcake as in strawberry shortcake called short cake?

Answer 1

The function of fat (that would be your butter, cream, shortening, etc.) in pastry is to make it flaky and light. Dough that contains a large proportion of fat to dry ingredients is said to be "short," and bakes up with a crumbly texture. And that's where the term "shortcake" comes from. That also explains why shortening (like Crisco) is called shortening.