Brownie | English Folklore, Supernatural, Mythology (2024)

English folklore

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brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms. He would ride for the midwife, and in Cornwall he caused swarming bees to settle quickly. Cream or bread and milk might be left for him, but other gifts offended him. If one made him a suit of clothes, he would put it on and then vanish, never to return.

The boggart of Yorkshire and the bogle of Scotland are hostile, mischievous brownies indistinguishable from poltergeists. See also puck.

Brownie | English Folklore, Supernatural, Mythology (2024)

FAQs

Brownie | English Folklore, Supernatural, Mythology? ›

brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns.

What is a spiritual brownie? ›

A brownie or broonie (Scots), also known as a brùnaidh or gruagach (Scottish Gaelic), is a household spirit or Hobgoblin from Scottish folklore that is said to come out at night while the owners of the house are asleep and perform various chores and farming tasks.

What do Brownies symbolize? ›

Mythology states that brownies were small, goblin-type creatures who slept during the day and came out to help with housework during the night. Brownies were seen to be sensitive creatures who didn't like to be bound to a house.

Is a brownie an elf or a fairy? ›

No, not the delicious baked good! The small, wrinkled, brown elves specific to Scotland. Brownies are usually gentle household elves with large eyes and ears who hide during the day and do not often interact with humans. They come out at night when everyone is sleeping to perform chores, like tidying up.

What is a brownie goblin? ›

Brownies are little fairy- or goblin-like creatures who appear at night and make mischief and do helpful tasks. As published by Palmer Cox, they were based on Scottish folktales.

What mythical creature is a brownie? ›

brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms.

What does cosmic brownie mean? ›

A traditional cosmic brownie is a thin fudge brownie with chocolate ganache on top and colorful sprinkles. They are called cosmic brownies because they were inspired by the cosmic bowling trend in the late 90s. Mine are a combination of My PERFECT Fudge Brownies and the chocolate sugar cookie bars from Frosted.

What does it mean if someone is a brownie? ›

(ethnic slur, offensive) A person of Arab, Indian or Hispanic descent. Sometimes used for a Native American or Pacific Islander.

What is the brownie meaning? ›

brownie. /ˈbrɑʊ·ni/ a small, square, chocolate cake, often containing nuts.

What does it mean when a girl says brownie points? ›

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.

Is a brownie a leprechaun? ›

They are not goblins, or dwarfs, or Leprechauns and definitely not elves. The most modern categorization has been they are “household spirits.” Brownies work alone, live alone and adore solitude, whereas the other figments all live in groups.

What creatures are fae? ›

A fairy (also fay, fae, fey, fair folk, or faerie) is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, generally described as anthropomorphic, found in the folklore of multiple European cultures (including Celtic, Slavic, Germanic, and French folklore), a form of spirit, often with metaphysical, supernatural, or ...

What is a brownie pixie? ›

In folklore, a brownie is a type of hob, similiar to a hobgoblin. Brownies are said to inhabit houses and aid in tasks around the house. However, they do not like to be seen and only work at night, traditionally in exchange for small gifts or food. Among food, they especially enjoy porridge and honey.

What is a brownie spirit? ›

A mythical creature and friendly household spirit from English and Scottish folklore, the brownie is said to be a short, small creature either dressed in rags or no clothes at all.

What is the forbidden brownie? ›

It doesn't get much more decadent than this! Indulge in Forbidden Chocolate ® ice cream with brownie chunks, signature hot fudge, Swiss Chocolate, and sprinkles.

What is brownies on the moon? ›

Description. The most delicious brownies are combined with premium high-quality chocolate cream and vanilla ice cream to give you an experience that is out of this world!

What does being a brownie mean? ›

1. : a legendary good-natured elf that performs helpful services at night. 2. Brownie : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls typically in the second and third grades in school.

What is a brownie in a relationship? ›

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.

What does the name brownie mean? ›

English: nickname for someone with brown eyes from Middle English brun broun 'brown' + eie 'eye' (Old English brūn + ēage). This form of the surname is most common in Aberdeenshire. Similar surnames: Browne, Brownlie, Brown, Bronte, Brownlee, Brodie, Bowie, Browning.

What does it mean when someone gives you brownie points? ›

Credit for a good deed, as in John earned a lot of brownie points for doing his boss's report for him . The term originated with the points earned for various achievements by the youngest group of the Girl Scouts, called Brownies. In the mid-1900s it was transferred to general use.

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