brownie etymology

Etymology of "Brownie":

The word "brownie" has two possible etymologies:

  • Scottish Gaelic origin: From "brùnaidh," meaning "dweller on the moor." Brownies were believed to be mischievous spirits or goblins that inhabited the Scottish Highlands.
  • English dialect origin: From "brown," referring to their dark, earthy appearance.

Meaning of "Brownie":

A brownie can refer to:

  • Supernatural being: In folklore, a small, hairy creature with a dark complexion, often associated with mischief. Brownies were said to perform household chores or provide other assistance to humans in exchange for favors like food and clothing.
  • Chocolate dessert: A rich, fudgy dessert with a chocolate flavor and a rectangular shape.
  • Girl Scout troop: A group of Girl Scouts within the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

Origin of Brownies (Desserts):

The origin of chocolate brownies is uncertain, but several theories exist:

  • Boston, 1893: A chocolate cake made at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago was cut into squares and served as a dessert. A chef named Bertha Palmer accidentally added too little flour, resulting in a fudgy cake.
  • Bangor, Maine, 1906: A student at Miss Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in Boston shared a recipe with her classmates, calling them "Bangor Brownies."
  • 1912 publication: The Fannie Farmer Cookbook included a recipe for "Brownies" that became popular.

Over time, the recipe evolved to include cocoa powder, nuts, and other variations. Today, brownies are a popular dessert enjoyed worldwide.

brownie relate terms

  • brown

    Etymology The word brown originates from the Old English word brun which meant dark

  • burnish

    Etymology Old French burnir to polish brighten Latin burnia burnished armor Pr

  • brown nose

    Etymology The phrase brown nose is derived from the practice of polishing shoes with b

  • brown

    Etymology The word brown originates from the Old English word brun which meant dark

  • nose

    Etymology The word nose is derived from the Old English word nosu which is thought t

  • gremlin

    Etymology Middle English gremlin from Middle French gramelin 15th century from Old

  • pixie

    Etymology The word pixie originates from the Middle English term pyk or pyxie whic

  • sandman

    Etymology The term sandman originates from the German folklore figure Der Sandmann

  • biscuit

    Etymology The word biscuit comes from the Latin word bis coctus meaning twice bake

  • fairy

    Etymology The word fairy is derived from the Old French word faerie which in turn e

  • Freya

    Etymology Freya is a goddess in Norse mythology Her name is derived from the Old Norse

  • leprechaun

    Etymology The word leprechaun originates from the Old Irish word luchorpán which i

  • esprit

    Etymology The word esprit comes from the Old French word espirit which in turn comes