For those with a sweet tooth, topping desserts with colorful bits of confectionery is a delightful tradition. But depending on where you are in the world, you might call these tiny sugary decorations jimmies, sprinkles, or hundreds and thousands.
What’s in a Name?
Sprinkles: Widely used across the U.S. and Canada. It covers all shapes and colors, making it the most universal term in North America.
Jimmies: Primarily used in the northeastern United States. It typically refers to oblong-shaped candy pieces, especially when used on ice cream. While some people use the term exclusively for chocolate sprinkles, others apply it to all varieties.
Hundreds and Thousands: The common term in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It often refers to the tiny, round, colorful variety of these decorations rather than the elongated type.
History
Sprinkles: Likely originated from the verb to sprinkle, describing how these decorations are applied. Its straightforward, descriptive nature made it popular throughout the U.S. by the mid-20th century. The simplicity of the term has helped it endure and adapt internationally.
Jimmies: The origin is debated. One story traces the term to Just Born, a candy company in Pennsylvania, that allegedly coined the term in the 1930s to describe their chocolate sprinkles. However, there’s no solid evidence to confirm this. Another theory suggests the term predates the company and was a colloquialism of unknown origin. The association with racial connotations has been debunked, and the term is now widely regarded as playful and regional.
Hundreds and Thousands: This whimsical term is thought to date back to the 18th or 19th century in the UK, inspired by the visual effect of many tiny dots scattered across a surface. The phrase evokes abundance and cheer.
Regional Variations
The Netherlands: In Dutch, these decorations are called hagelslag, which translates to hailstorm. They are often used on buttered bread for breakfast, particularly in chocolate form.
Italy: Italians call them codette, usually referring to the elongated type.
France: Known as vermicelles, meaning little worms, these are often used on pastries and desserts.
Germany: Germans use Streusel, which translates to sprinkles, but it can also refer to crumb toppings.
The Philippines: Known as paillette or simply sprinkles.
Rick’s Commentary
What these names reveal is a shared joy across cultures in adding a little extra sweetness and color to our food. The differences in terminology often reflect the broader linguistic and cultural quirks of each region, but the universal appeal remains the same.
Whether you call them jimmies, sprinkles, or hundreds and thousands, these tiny treats make desserts more delightful. Their names might differ, but their ability to bring smiles is a global constant.
In Australia and New Zealand, fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine covered with hundreds and thousands. Usually served at children's parties. Typically cut into triangles.
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