http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownie_points, http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/brownie-points.html, http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-bro3.htm. You wouldn't be able to tell each time, of course, but you should be able to tell quite a bit from what sort of sites or blogs use it, and I think you could then be pretty confident of what the majority opinion is. You could also say that taking your wife out for dinner and a movie and showering her with flowers would be a way of earning brownie points with her on her birthday. In this page you can discover 28 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for congratulations, like: felicitations, kudos, good work, congrats, way-to-go, good-for-you, compliments, best wishes, nice going, many-happy-returns and hear; bless you. Whats another way to say brownie points? For instance, you could score brownie points with the boss at work if you close a big sale. Break brownie down into sounds: [BROW] + [NEE] say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them. Brownie points in modern usage are an imaginary social currency, which can be acquired by doing good deeds or earning favor in the eyes of another, often one's spouse. Brownie History Lord Baden-Powell was familiar with the folk tales about helpful, magical little people called Brownies. Yeah, I assumed it had the same origin as "brown-noser". House elves also resemble brownies in appearance, being small, but they have larger heads and large, bat-like ears. As a result, many people spell it with a capital B. The first use of Brownie points in writing comes from the Pennsylvania newspaper The Daily Item in May 1944. Instead of telling you what I want to know, he points out that I should use "fewer" with "calories" because "lesser" applies to uncountable items only. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. informal + disparaging. Its a way of getting credit with someone important in your life through completing an action they find impressive. This term alludes to the armed defender of a stagecoach who sat beside the driver to protect against marauders and bandits. Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his bosss report for him. Find another word for brownie-points. The article sees Miles go to length explaining the meaning of the term, showing that it was a new introduction to language at the time. Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his boss's report for him. Rowlings books also include boggarts, which are sometimes traditionally described as brownies turned malevolent. The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang says the expression comes from the point system used for advancement by the Brownies of the Girl Scouts of America; but strongly reinforced by brown-nose.. transitive verb. How do you get brownie points with a girl? Brownies, originally called Rosebuds, were first organized by Lord Baden-Powell in 1914, to complete the range of age groups for girls in Scouting. Discussing the origins of words and phrases, in English or any other language. Can you use extra virgin olive oil for dressing. Fly off the handle is an American phrase that comes from the way an axe-head which has come loose will fly off of its handle in an unpredictable manner and strike any innocent person or object in its way. They have an article about this expression: I remember a story about some little elf-like creatures called 'brownies' from my childhood, so I goolgled 'brownie' and found that they are a kind of fairy. The phrases first use outside of commendations within the Brownies organization comes from The Los Angeles Times on March 15th, 1951. 3 : a small square or rectangle of rich usually chocolate cake often containing nuts. So, I dont mind missing out on the fun at the concert if its going to get me ahead in my career., Im scoring brownie points with the wife right now. Maybe there is something risque about its origins, though after reading the article Teddy linked (I do enjoy World Wide Words), I have my doubts, but if it originally was risque, it is no longer, so why worry about it? Indeed no - ignorance is bliss! Not only are they also mischievous in nature, but wicked. (Australia, New Zealand, colloquial) A tall, long-necked beer bottle, made from brown coloured glass. 
US, informal. Sorry, as mentioned in another comment, I'm wasted. Find another word for brownie-points. Brownies are the section in the Girl Guides (or in the United States, Girl Scouts) organization for girls aged seven years old to ten years old. Haven't read the article yet but I bet its interesting. The article also included a strip cartoon with the caption, I should have been home two hours ago Ill never catch up on my brownie points..
used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly. Your email address will not be published. Assumptions usually turn out to be wrong. You can use the expression brownie points when youre trying to describe someone gaining kudos or credit from someone else with authority over you. Your email address will not be published.
The term originated with the points earned for. I will not use it until I know more. I don't think that "arse licking" can be eliminated as a likely source just because we wish it were not so. We are all left to wallow in the reflected glory of our own opinions. 'Brownie points' is said to derive from: - The system of merits and demerits that was introduced into the work practices of the Fall Brook Railroad in New York State by Superintendent G. R. Brown from 1886 onward. Brownies were originally called Rosebuds and were founded by Lord Baden-Powell after the younger sisters of the Guides and Scouts showed an interest in joining the Guide Association. I'm irritated at him for not answering my question, can I say ". It seems likely that this will be resolved as well as the origin of "the whole nine yards", that is, NOT! Instead of telling you what I want to know, he points out that I should use "fewer" with "calories" because "lesser" applies to uncountable items only. One of the theories mentioned was that it was derived from [Brownie Cameras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownie_(camera)) whether directly via some marketing where owners would save packaging points for discounts on film/processing or indirectly via scoring "points" by taking pictures of family/friends/loved ones. In my ancient high school days in New York City, "brownie points" were always accumulated by "brown-nosing," "sucking up" to a teacher or. 1 : without much effort : easily. 2 Brownie : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls typically in the second and third grades in school. The system was well used and widely known on the US and Canadian railroads in the 19th century. Which ecological pyramid is always upright? But did you know that Brownies existed in folklore before that? Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms. Note: My spell checker does not approve of either "ataboy" or "atagirl". Why dobermans are not used as police dogs. You are using an out of date browser. I'd like to know if native speakers would use "Brownie point" that way. Awards were given to Lois Bingaman and Helen Romig for attendance and Brownie points.. in a sarcastic way? Perhaps Wikipedia will help you on this issue? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. All this tells you is what the denizens of WordReference think, and I'm not sure we're entirely typical. In the mid-1900s it was transferred to general use. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. In this page you can discover 19 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for brownie, like: flapjack, pixie, spirit, sprite, goblin, elf, explorer, tenderfoot, camper, fairy and scout. Perhaps Wikipedia will help you on this issue? You could score brownie points with your partner at home if you bring them some flowers. This was an entry on a Says you episode (sorry can't remember which one) but they also said origin was contested. [C20: from Caribbean slang batty bottom, buttocks]. Required fields are marked *, Ways People May Say Brownie Points Incorrectly.
someone has told me it's actually derived from a crude extension of the image of arse-licking. Now heres where theres a little mystery involved. They get together with their friends at regular meetings where they learn new hobbies, get creative, develop skills and have outdoor adventures. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his boss's report for him. (The brownie is classified as a bar cookie rather than a cake. 1 : praise given for achievement. I got to pondering, but in retrospect, if you'd asked me sober, i would have absolutely assumed it was about the analingus implications. In this page you can discover 34 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for kudos, like: credit, honor, praise, acclaim, admiration, esteem, acclamation, panegyric, fame, glory and prestige. Girls go along to camps, holidays, day trips and sleepovers. Elves are either light-skinned or extremely dark-skinned. Suppose I'm asking a shop assistant if the Brand A chocolate contains lesser calories than Brand B chocolate. There's nothing even slightly risque about brownie points. 2 : without question. Most people believe Lord Baden-Powell named the Brownies after Juliana Horatia Ewings 1870s story, The Brownies, about a couple of helpful Brownie children. What were the brownies originally called? The first-known printed use of the word "brownie" to describe a dessert appeared in the 1896 version of the Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Farmer, in reference to molasses cakes baked individually in tin molds. Evidence points to Fanny Farmer, who, in 1905, adapted her chocolate cookie recipe to a bar cookie baked in a rectangular pan. Have you tried googling it to see how it's used by a "lot" of people? The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. Shes six months pregnant and craving these sweets, but she cant find them anywhere, and I just got her ten boxes., You can score brownie points with me by taking out the trash if you want., No way, the brownie points arent worth the hassle with that; I think Ill sit it out, thanks., Do you want to earn some brownie points with me?
Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. Brownie points originates from the Brownies organization. Its a way of saying that someone gains kudos in someone elses eyes for their actions or words. One of the most often repeated and widely accepted theories is that brownie pointsimaginary points earned by someone for doing a good deed, and lost by doing something unfavourablestem from the Brownies, a tier of 7-10 year old Girl Scouts or Girl Guides. The Girl Guides Gazette said that Rosebuds wore a dark blue skirt, knitted jersey, cap or tam and the Rosebud Brooch. 2 Brownie : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls typically in the second and third grades in school. It can also mean that youre looking for recognition from someone for doing something out of your way for them. The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. Thomas, would you mind explaining to us ignorant people what the heck does that expression mean, I think that one of the references that the Wikipedia article quotes. Welcome to FAQ Blog! So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. n. chiefly slang offensive Brit a male homosexual. Brownie Origins Back to Brownies. n. chiefly slang offensive Brit a male homosexual. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Edit: in fact, i posted this thread drunk (yeah, my life is just that exciting). Definition of brownie 1 : a legendary good-natured elf that performs helpful services at night. Funny, that's not one of the five or so possibilities listed in the wiki. Scotland and Ireland. I would tend to not use it for this reason.
They have an article about this expression: I have always thought Brownie points refers to the little girl guides, but you're interpretation throws a whole new meaning on the term. As the Crow Flies Meaning, Origin and Usage, Youre My Muse Meaning, Origin and Usage, Anchors Aweigh Meaning, Origin and Usage, How to Write a Clear Theme Statement (with Examples), Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Meaning, Origin and Usage, Calm Before the Storm Meaning, Origin and Usage. The expression brownie points means that youre giving someone credit or kudos for doing something for you. The phrase has nothing to do with brownies or points. 3 : a small square or rectangle of rich usually chocolate cake often containing nuts. brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. You must log in or register to reply here.
Other Words from brownnose Example Sentences Learn More About brownnose. And because it denigrates those young people for whom the Brownie organization is a serious matter. For example, you could say that working overtime for the company when in a crisis is earning brownie points with your boss.
I always thought it came from the brownies. Besides, apprising these ladies of a possible misinterpretation of their innocent words would be rather like telling someone not to talk about black boot polish because it might be considered ethnically offensive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In this page you can discover 10 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for brownie-points, like: mark of merit, pat-on-the-back, credit, kudos, plaudits, points, praise, strokes, credibility and notability. The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. Its easy to see that the brownie got its name from its dark brown color. How many cake pops can you get out of a cake mix? I'm irritated at him for not answering my question, can I say "Brownie point to you!"
Brownie points are imaginary merit points awarded for the performance of good deeds or favors, it is usually a derogatory term. Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his bosss report for him. Exact age limits are slightly different in each organization. : to earn the money that is needed to live He worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for his family. Guard someone or something while in transit, as in The reporter found himself in the odd position of riding shotgun for an accused mobster. JavaScript is disabled. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. What is the difference between a brownie and an elf? Suppose I'm asking a shop assistant if the Brand A chocolate contains lesser calories than Brand B chocolate. The brownie points are usually thoughtful contributions and are not forced or manipulated. Brownie points are imaginary merit points awarded for the performance of good deeds or favors, it is usually a derogatory term. Since the Brownies are a junior sub-group of the US Girl Scouts, brownie points (kudos for good deeds or behavior) can be seen as trivializing such behavior or deeds in adults. Brownies introduces girls to a world of new opportunities, challenges and fun. In this page you can discover 10 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for brownie-points, like: mark of merit, credit, kudos, plaudits, points, praise, strokes, credibility, notability and pat-on-the-back. Press J to jump to the feed. Brownies work alone, live alone and adore solitude, whereas the other figments all live in groups. Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About kudos. Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his boss's report for him. We use cookies on our websites for a number of purposes, including analytics and performance, functionality and advertising. Can I use lemon juice instead of water in cake mix? 1 : a legendary good-natured elf that performs helpful services at night. Be a star and go down to the store to get some milk for breakfast.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownie_(camera). Brownie-points sentence exampleThere's a good chance you'll get brownie points for creativity. Thomas, I really am not at all sure that it evokes that idea for a "lot" of people. : to ingratiate oneself with : curry favor with. Im going to score huge brownie points with the boss for completing this project over the weekend. I always thought it was a euphemism for kissing someone's butt . Using it to describe brownies or any baked goods is incorrect.
US, informal. Sorry, as mentioned in another comment, I'm wasted. Find another word for brownie-points. Brownies are the section in the Girl Guides (or in the United States, Girl Scouts) organization for girls aged seven years old to ten years old. Haven't read the article yet but I bet its interesting. The article also included a strip cartoon with the caption, I should have been home two hours ago Ill never catch up on my brownie points.. used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly. Your email address will not be published. Assumptions usually turn out to be wrong. You can use the expression brownie points when youre trying to describe someone gaining kudos or credit from someone else with authority over you. Your email address will not be published.
The term originated with the points earned for. I will not use it until I know more. I don't think that "arse licking" can be eliminated as a likely source just because we wish it were not so. We are all left to wallow in the reflected glory of our own opinions. 'Brownie points' is said to derive from: - The system of merits and demerits that was introduced into the work practices of the Fall Brook Railroad in New York State by Superintendent G. R. Brown from 1886 onward. Brownies were originally called Rosebuds and were founded by Lord Baden-Powell after the younger sisters of the Guides and Scouts showed an interest in joining the Guide Association. I'm irritated at him for not answering my question, can I say ". It seems likely that this will be resolved as well as the origin of "the whole nine yards", that is, NOT! Instead of telling you what I want to know, he points out that I should use "fewer" with "calories" because "lesser" applies to uncountable items only. One of the theories mentioned was that it was derived from [Brownie Cameras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownie_(camera)) whether directly via some marketing where owners would save packaging points for discounts on film/processing or indirectly via scoring "points" by taking pictures of family/friends/loved ones. In my ancient high school days in New York City, "brownie points" were always accumulated by "brown-nosing," "sucking up" to a teacher or. 1 : without much effort : easily. 2 Brownie : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls typically in the second and third grades in school. The system was well used and widely known on the US and Canadian railroads in the 19th century. Which ecological pyramid is always upright? But did you know that Brownies existed in folklore before that? Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms. Note: My spell checker does not approve of either "ataboy" or "atagirl". Why dobermans are not used as police dogs. You are using an out of date browser. I'd like to know if native speakers would use "Brownie point" that way. Awards were given to Lois Bingaman and Helen Romig for attendance and Brownie points.. in a sarcastic way? Perhaps Wikipedia will help you on this issue? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. All this tells you is what the denizens of WordReference think, and I'm not sure we're entirely typical. In the mid-1900s it was transferred to general use. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. In this page you can discover 19 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for brownie, like: flapjack, pixie, spirit, sprite, goblin, elf, explorer, tenderfoot, camper, fairy and scout. Perhaps Wikipedia will help you on this issue? You could score brownie points with your partner at home if you bring them some flowers. This was an entry on a Says you episode (sorry can't remember which one) but they also said origin was contested. [C20: from Caribbean slang batty bottom, buttocks]. Required fields are marked *, Ways People May Say Brownie Points Incorrectly.
someone has told me it's actually derived from a crude extension of the image of arse-licking. Now heres where theres a little mystery involved. They get together with their friends at regular meetings where they learn new hobbies, get creative, develop skills and have outdoor adventures. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his boss's report for him. (The brownie is classified as a bar cookie rather than a cake. 1 : praise given for achievement. I got to pondering, but in retrospect, if you'd asked me sober, i would have absolutely assumed it was about the analingus implications. In this page you can discover 34 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for kudos, like: credit, honor, praise, acclaim, admiration, esteem, acclamation, panegyric, fame, glory and prestige. Girls go along to camps, holidays, day trips and sleepovers. Elves are either light-skinned or extremely dark-skinned. Suppose I'm asking a shop assistant if the Brand A chocolate contains lesser calories than Brand B chocolate. There's nothing even slightly risque about brownie points. 2 : without question. Most people believe Lord Baden-Powell named the Brownies after Juliana Horatia Ewings 1870s story, The Brownies, about a couple of helpful Brownie children. What were the brownies originally called? The first-known printed use of the word "brownie" to describe a dessert appeared in the 1896 version of the Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Farmer, in reference to molasses cakes baked individually in tin molds. Evidence points to Fanny Farmer, who, in 1905, adapted her chocolate cookie recipe to a bar cookie baked in a rectangular pan. Have you tried googling it to see how it's used by a "lot" of people? The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. Shes six months pregnant and craving these sweets, but she cant find them anywhere, and I just got her ten boxes., You can score brownie points with me by taking out the trash if you want., No way, the brownie points arent worth the hassle with that; I think Ill sit it out, thanks., Do you want to earn some brownie points with me?
Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. Brownie points originates from the Brownies organization. Its a way of saying that someone gains kudos in someone elses eyes for their actions or words. One of the most often repeated and widely accepted theories is that brownie pointsimaginary points earned by someone for doing a good deed, and lost by doing something unfavourablestem from the Brownies, a tier of 7-10 year old Girl Scouts or Girl Guides. The Girl Guides Gazette said that Rosebuds wore a dark blue skirt, knitted jersey, cap or tam and the Rosebud Brooch. 2 Brownie : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls typically in the second and third grades in school. It can also mean that youre looking for recognition from someone for doing something out of your way for them. The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. Thomas, would you mind explaining to us ignorant people what the heck does that expression mean, I think that one of the references that the Wikipedia article quotes. Welcome to FAQ Blog! So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. n. chiefly slang offensive Brit a male homosexual. Brownie Origins Back to Brownies. n. chiefly slang offensive Brit a male homosexual. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Edit: in fact, i posted this thread drunk (yeah, my life is just that exciting). Definition of brownie 1 : a legendary good-natured elf that performs helpful services at night. Funny, that's not one of the five or so possibilities listed in the wiki. Scotland and Ireland. I would tend to not use it for this reason.
They have an article about this expression: I have always thought Brownie points refers to the little girl guides, but you're interpretation throws a whole new meaning on the term. As the Crow Flies Meaning, Origin and Usage, Youre My Muse Meaning, Origin and Usage, Anchors Aweigh Meaning, Origin and Usage, How to Write a Clear Theme Statement (with Examples), Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Meaning, Origin and Usage, Calm Before the Storm Meaning, Origin and Usage. The expression brownie points means that youre giving someone credit or kudos for doing something for you. The phrase has nothing to do with brownies or points. 3 : a small square or rectangle of rich usually chocolate cake often containing nuts. brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. You must log in or register to reply here.
Other Words from brownnose Example Sentences Learn More About brownnose. And because it denigrates those young people for whom the Brownie organization is a serious matter. For example, you could say that working overtime for the company when in a crisis is earning brownie points with your boss.
I always thought it came from the brownies. Besides, apprising these ladies of a possible misinterpretation of their innocent words would be rather like telling someone not to talk about black boot polish because it might be considered ethnically offensive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In this page you can discover 10 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for brownie-points, like: mark of merit, pat-on-the-back, credit, kudos, plaudits, points, praise, strokes, credibility and notability. The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. Its easy to see that the brownie got its name from its dark brown color. How many cake pops can you get out of a cake mix? I'm irritated at him for not answering my question, can I say "Brownie point to you!"
Brownie points are imaginary merit points awarded for the performance of good deeds or favors, it is usually a derogatory term. Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his bosss report for him. Exact age limits are slightly different in each organization. : to earn the money that is needed to live He worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for his family. Guard someone or something while in transit, as in The reporter found himself in the odd position of riding shotgun for an accused mobster. JavaScript is disabled. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. What is the difference between a brownie and an elf? Suppose I'm asking a shop assistant if the Brand A chocolate contains lesser calories than Brand B chocolate. The brownie points are usually thoughtful contributions and are not forced or manipulated. Brownie points are imaginary merit points awarded for the performance of good deeds or favors, it is usually a derogatory term. Since the Brownies are a junior sub-group of the US Girl Scouts, brownie points (kudos for good deeds or behavior) can be seen as trivializing such behavior or deeds in adults. Brownies introduces girls to a world of new opportunities, challenges and fun. In this page you can discover 10 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for brownie-points, like: mark of merit, credit, kudos, plaudits, points, praise, strokes, credibility, notability and pat-on-the-back. Press J to jump to the feed. Brownies work alone, live alone and adore solitude, whereas the other figments all live in groups. Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About kudos. Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his boss's report for him. We use cookies on our websites for a number of purposes, including analytics and performance, functionality and advertising. Can I use lemon juice instead of water in cake mix? 1 : a legendary good-natured elf that performs helpful services at night. Be a star and go down to the store to get some milk for breakfast.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownie_(camera). Brownie-points sentence exampleThere's a good chance you'll get brownie points for creativity. Thomas, I really am not at all sure that it evokes that idea for a "lot" of people. : to ingratiate oneself with : curry favor with. Im going to score huge brownie points with the boss for completing this project over the weekend. I always thought it was a euphemism for kissing someone's butt . Using it to describe brownies or any baked goods is incorrect.