Definition of sprinkles

The word "sprinkles" originally referred to small decorative items sprinkled over food as a garnish, rather than being used to describe the small circular candies typically associated with them today. The origin of the word can be traced back to the Middle English term "spryngele," which first appeared in the late 14th century. The word "sprinkle" itself originated from the Old Norse "sprängja," meaning "to sprinkle" or "to squirt," and the Old French "esprincker," meaning "sprinkler" or "sprinkler of holy water." The word entered the English language through both French and Norse influences during the Middle Ages. Originally, sprinkles were made from edible materials such as sugar, honey, or spice, and were used as a way to add flavor, aroma, and visual interest to various dishes. Early examples include "sugar sprinkles" used for garnishing cakes and pastries, "spice sprinkles" added to sauces and stews, and "herb sprinkles" used as a way to add fresh flavor to dishes. As the use of sugar decorations became more popular in the late 19th century, the brightly colored circular shape of the sugar sprinkles we know today began to emerge. These candy sprinkles gained popularity during the Great Depression as a way to add some joy and affordability to people's daily lives. Today, sprinkles are commonly associated with desserts and are widely used as a fun and colorful decoration for cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream. In summary, the word "sprinkles" originated from the Middle English term "spryngele," which means "small decorative items sprinkled over food." The word itself comes from Old Norse and Old French roots, meaning "to sprinkle" or "sprinkler." The use of sprinkles as small decorated objects has evolved over time, from edible items made from sugar, spices, and herbs, to brightly colored circular candies used today as a decorative element in desserts.