The Hershey’s Kiss. A simple, iconic teardrop of chocolate wrapped in foil, it’s a staple of American confectionery. But beyond the delicious taste, a persistent question swirls around its wrapper: Why is that little paper strip sticking out of the top – the one that helps you unwrap the treat – sometimes called a “Nigglywiggly”? The answer, like the Kiss itself, is layered and surprisingly complex, involving folklore, marketing, and a healthy dose of linguistic evolution. This article delves deep into the origins of this curious term, separating fact from fiction and exploring the fascinating history behind one of the world’s most recognizable candies.
Tracing the Roots: Exploring Potential Origins of “Nigglywiggly”
The quest to understand “Nigglywiggly” begins with acknowledging the lack of a definitive, official explanation from the Hershey Company itself. The term doesn’t appear in their official marketing materials or historical records. This absence forces us to rely on anecdotal evidence, linguistic analysis, and historical context to piece together a plausible narrative.
One of the most prevalent theories links the term to the early days of automated candy wrapping. The automated machines that wrapped Hershey’s Kisses were complex and prone to minor malfunctions. These glitches sometimes resulted in the paper strip being slightly askew or uneven, creating a visual imperfection – a “niggle.”
The “wiggly” part of the term could be attributed to the slightly irregular or wavy appearance of the paper strip after being dispensed by the machine. Imagine a newly formed Hershey’s Kiss emerging from the wrapping machine, its paper tag a little crooked, a little “wiggly.” It’s easy to see how factory workers, observing this quirk day in and day out, might have coined the term “Nigglywiggly” as a shorthand description.
However, this theory, while logical, lacks concrete evidence. No documented accounts from early Hershey’s factory workers explicitly confirm this origin. It remains a compelling, yet unproven, possibility.
The Linguistic Angle: Is “Nigglywiggly” Just a Fun Word?
Beyond the potential factory origin, another perspective suggests that “Nigglywiggly” simply sounds like a playful, descriptive word. The repetition of sounds and the inherent silliness of the combination make it memorable and easily associated with something small and somewhat insignificant, like the paper strip on a candy.
Linguists often point to the phenomenon of “onomatopoeia,” where words mimic the sounds they represent. While “Nigglywiggly” doesn’t directly imitate a sound, its playful construction might evoke a sense of lightheartedness and fun, making it a fitting descriptor for a beloved treat.
Furthermore, the term could be an example of “reduplication,” a linguistic process where a word or part of a word is repeated, often with a slight variation, to emphasize a particular quality. Think of words like “chit-chat” or “teeny-weeny.” “Nigglywiggly” fits this pattern, potentially highlighting the small, insignificant nature of the paper strip in a playful way.
The Influence of Regional Dialects and Folklore
The geographical distribution of the term “Nigglywiggly” provides another clue. While not universally used across the United States, it appears to be more common in certain regions, particularly in the South and parts of the Midwest. This regional concentration suggests that the term might have originated within a specific community or dialect group.
Folklore and local traditions often play a significant role in shaping language. It’s possible that “Nigglywiggly” emerged as a colloquial term within a particular community, gradually spreading through word of mouth and becoming associated with Hershey’s Kisses.
Consider the rich tradition of storytelling and informal language in many Southern communities. A playful term like “Nigglywiggly” could easily have taken root and flourished within this context, eventually becoming part of the local lexicon.
Hershey’s Kisses Through Time: A Brief History
To fully appreciate the “Nigglywiggly” mystery, it’s essential to understand the historical context of Hershey’s Kisses themselves. Introduced in 1907 by Milton Hershey, these bite-sized chocolates were initially wrapped by hand.
The introduction of automated wrapping machines in 1921 marked a significant turning point. These machines dramatically increased production efficiency, allowing Hershey’s to meet the growing demand for its popular treat. This shift from manual to automated wrapping also coincides roughly with the timeline in which the term “Nigglywiggly” might have emerged.
The foil wrapper, initially made of tin foil, evolved over time, eventually transitioning to aluminum foil. The iconic paper strip, however, remained a constant feature, serving as both a functional tool for unwrapping and a recognizable branding element.
The Power of Branding and Consumer Perception
Hershey’s Kisses have always been more than just chocolate; they’re a symbol of sweetness, nostalgia, and American culture. The consistent branding, from the distinctive shape to the signature foil wrapper, has played a crucial role in shaping consumer perception and solidifying the Kiss’s iconic status.
The paper strip, whether called a “Nigglywiggly” or simply “the paper thing,” is an integral part of this branding. It’s a tactile element that engages the consumer in the unwrapping process, creating a small but memorable interaction with the product.
The persistent use of the term “Nigglywiggly,” even if unofficial, demonstrates the power of consumer-generated language in shaping a brand’s identity. It highlights the way in which consumers can adopt and personalize a product, imbuing it with their own meanings and associations.
The Enduring Appeal of Unofficial Terminology
In a world saturated with marketing messages and carefully crafted brand narratives, the enduring appeal of unofficial terminology like “Nigglywiggly” is undeniable. It represents a genuine, unscripted connection between consumers and a product they love.
While Hershey’s might not actively promote the term, its continued usage speaks volumes about the power of word-of-mouth and the enduring fascination with the small details that make a product unique. “Nigglywiggly” is a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable aspects of a brand are those that emerge organically from the collective experience of its consumers.
The Mystery Remains: Why We May Never Know for Sure
Despite these various theories and historical explorations, the definitive origin of “Nigglywiggly” remains elusive. The lack of official documentation and the reliance on anecdotal evidence mean that we may never know the absolute truth behind this curious term.
However, the ambiguity surrounding its origin is, in some ways, part of its charm. The mystery fuels the conversation and keeps the legend alive, ensuring that “Nigglywiggly” continues to be whispered among Hershey’s Kiss enthusiasts for generations to come.
The term represents a fascinating intersection of manufacturing history, linguistic evolution, and consumer culture. It’s a testament to the power of language to shape our perception of everyday objects and to create enduring connections between people and the products they love.
Conclusion: A Sweet Mystery Wrapped in Foil
The “Nigglywiggly” enigma serves as a delightful reminder that even the simplest things can hold layers of hidden history and unexpected cultural significance. Whether it originated in a Hershey’s factory, emerged from regional dialect, or simply sounded like a fun word, “Nigglywiggly” has become an unofficial yet beloved term for the paper strip on a Hershey’s Kiss.
The absence of a definitive answer only adds to the intrigue, inviting us to continue exploring the fascinating story behind this iconic candy and the quirky language that surrounds it. So, the next time you unwrap a Hershey’s Kiss, take a moment to appreciate not just the chocolate, but also the sweet mystery wrapped in foil – and perhaps, whisper the word “Nigglywiggly” to keep the legend alive.
Why is the Hershey’s Kiss paper tail sometimes called a “Nigglywiggly”?
The term “Nigglywiggly” to describe the paper tail of a Hershey’s Kiss is rooted in regional and historical usage, particularly in certain areas of the United States. It’s essentially a colloquialism, likely arising from the shape and slight crinkling of the paper, which could be perceived as “wiggling” or “niggling,” implying small, repetitive movements. This term isn’t universally known or accepted and is more a relic of a specific time and place than an official designation.
The exact origins and etymology of the usage remain somewhat obscure and anecdotal. It’s speculated that the term might have been influenced by other similar descriptive words or expressions popular at the time Hershey’s Kisses were introduced. Without concrete documentation, tracing its definitive origin is challenging, but its localized use points to a regional adoption of a playful descriptor for a distinctive feature of the candy.
Is “Nigglywiggly” the official name for the Hershey’s Kiss paper tail?
No, “Nigglywiggly” is absolutely not the official name for the paper tail of a Hershey’s Kiss. The Hershey Company itself does not use this term in any of its official product descriptions, marketing materials, or communications. The official term is simply “foil wrapper” or perhaps more descriptively, the “paper plume” or “paper tail.”
The company focuses on the functional aspects of the wrapper, emphasizing its role in protecting the chocolate and its distinctive design for brand recognition. While “Nigglywiggly” might be a familiar and nostalgic term for some, it’s crucial to understand that it holds no official status within the Hershey’s brand identity. Using “foil wrapper” or “paper plume” is a more accurate and universally understood way to refer to it.
Where did the term “Nigglywiggly” likely originate from?
While the precise origin is difficult to pinpoint with certainty, the term “Nigglywiggly” likely arose from a combination of observational description and regional dialect. The slightly crinkled and often crooked nature of the paper tail could easily be interpreted as “wiggling,” and “niggling” suggests small, repetitive, or fidgety movements. This, combined with the playful nature of calling a candy part something silly, likely contributed to its adoption.
Furthermore, the spread of such a term would have been greatly influenced by word-of-mouth within specific communities or regions. Unlike today’s rapid dissemination via the internet, its propagation would have been more gradual and localized, potentially explaining why it isn’t universally known. The “Nigglywiggly” nickname could also be attributed to children, who may have created the term to describe the characteristic look of the paper tail.
Does everyone know what a “Nigglywiggly” is when referring to a Hershey’s Kiss?
No, the term “Nigglywiggly” is far from universally understood when referring to the Hershey’s Kiss paper tail. While it might be familiar to individuals from certain geographic areas or age groups, many people, even those who regularly enjoy Hershey’s Kisses, may not recognize or understand this term.
The prevalence of “Nigglywiggly” varies significantly based on factors such as regional dialect, generational exposure, and personal experience. Someone who grew up hearing this term used within their family or community might readily understand it, while someone from a different background might never have encountered it before. Therefore, clarity and avoiding jargon are crucial when discussing the paper tail of a Hershey’s Kiss with a wider audience.
Is there any other candy whose wrapper part has an unofficial nickname like “Nigglywiggly”?
While not as widely documented or recognized as the “Nigglywiggly” for Hershey’s Kisses, other candies may have acquired unofficial nicknames for particular features of their wrappers or shapes, especially within local communities or family traditions. These terms often arise from playful observation or children’s creativity and rarely attain widespread recognition.
The uniqueness of “Nigglywiggly” lies more in its relatively longer lifespan and the degree to which it has been documented online and remembered by some people. Many other candy nicknames probably existed only within small circles and were never recorded or shared widely, making it difficult to establish definitive parallels. The ubiquity of Hershey’s Kisses likely aided in spreading the “Nigglywiggly” term in the first place.
Why does the Hershey’s Kiss have a paper tail in the first place?
The Hershey’s Kiss paper tail, or foil wrapper plume, serves multiple functions beyond simply wrapping the chocolate. Primarily, it acts as a convenient handle for unwrapping the candy, allowing users to easily grasp and peel back the foil without directly touching the chocolate, thereby preventing smudging or melting.
Furthermore, the paper tail, especially with its printed brand name, plays a crucial role in brand recognition. The distinct shape and silver foil, coupled with the visible “Hershey’s” lettering, instantly identify the candy, even when it is not fully unwrapped. This consistent branding has been a key component of the candy’s marketing and recognition for generations.
Is using the term “Nigglywiggly” considered offensive?
Generally, the term “Nigglywiggly” referring to the Hershey’s Kiss paper tail is not considered offensive. Its origins appear to be rooted in descriptive playfulness rather than any derogatory or harmful intent. However, context always matters, and depending on the audience and tone, it’s important to be mindful of potential misunderstandings.
While the term itself doesn’t carry a history of offensive use, language evolves. If someone expresses discomfort or confusion regarding the term, it’s respectful to use more neutral or descriptive language like “paper tail” or “foil wrapper.” Prioritizing clear and respectful communication is always the best approach, regardless of the specific term in question.