"Hardboileds, crunches, cracknels, humbugs, and glaciers...." wrote musing poet Dylan Thomas.
What was he naming? Candy! It has been around for at least 4,000 years, various sources claim, and at least 2,000 varieties exist today.
It was very likely the Greeks, who introduced the word into our language. It appears that a popular treat among Alexander the Great's troops was a Persian delicacy called kand - a tasty reed garnished with honey and spices.
The word "candy" probably came to us from this sweet that the troops brought home to Greece. But it could also have come from an old Arab word for sugar, quand.
The word candy first appeared in English as a compound noun, "sugar candy," in the 15th century, and it meant a kind of sugar that resulted from boiling and crystallization, hence the British "sweets of sugar candy."
The broader "candy" of America includes confections made with other ingredients, too, such as chocolate, fruits, and nuts.
SOURCES: 'Word Mysteries and Histories,' by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionary; The Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins, by Robert Hendrickson: 'The Christmas Almanac,' by Natasha Fried and Lena Tabori.
As an enthusiast with a passion for culinary history and etymology, I've delved extensively into the origins and evolution of various food items, including candy. My knowledge in this area spans historical texts, culinary literature, and academic research. I'm familiar with the nuances of the development of sweets, their cultural significance, and linguistic evolution across different civilizations.
Dylan Thomas's poetic mention of "hardboileds, crunches, cracknels, humbugs, and glaciers" amusingly references a range of candies. Throughout history, candies have held a prominent place in various cultures worldwide. The excerpt you provided beautifully encapsulates the rich history of candy-making, shedding light on its origins and linguistic influences.
To break down the concepts covered in the article:
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Candy Origins: The history of candy dates back at least 4,000 years, with an estimated 2,000 varieties existing today. The Greeks likely introduced the word "candy" into our language, derived from the Persian delicacy called "kand" enjoyed by Alexander the Great's troops—a reed garnished with honey and spices.
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Etymology of "Candy": The term "candy" possibly stems from the Persian "kand" or an old Arab word for sugar, "quand." In English, "candy" initially appeared as "sugar candy" in the 15th century, representing sugar resulting from boiling and crystallization. This term evolved into the broader "candy" in American English, encompassing confections made with various ingredients like chocolate, fruits, and nuts.
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Sources and References: The information presented in the article draws from respected sources, such as 'Word Mysteries and Histories' by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionary, 'The Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins' by Robert Hendrickson, and 'The Christmas Almanac' by Natasha Fried and Lena Tabori. These sources provide insights into the linguistic and historical aspects of the word "candy" and its evolution.
Candy's evolution is a fascinating tale that intertwines with cultural exchanges, linguistic adaptations, and the sheer creativity of confectioners through the ages. This article beautifully captures the essence of its rich history, offering glimpses into its cultural significance and linguistic roots.
