The term “brownie points” refers to gaining favor by doing something attractive or useful. Its origins include trade stamps, railroad worker merit systems, and Girl Scout badges. It has become a popular means of referring to any type of reward for desirable behavior.
“Brownie Points” is a term that is often used to identify the favor gained as a result of taking certain actions that others find interesting or useful. There are several possible origins for this particular idiom, some focusing on the incentives once offered to shoppers and others focusing on the inner workings of girls’ organizations. Over time, brownie points have become any kind of favor obtained as a result of doing something that another person finds attractive.
One of the most popular origins claimed for brownie points has to do with trade stamps. After World War II, many retailers began offering stamps that could be collected and redeemed for merchandise once enough stamps were accumulated. In some countries, those stamps were brown, while others were green or yellow. Each stamp represented a certain number of points which in turn correlated to the currency, which effectively meant that having enough stamps was like having enough currency to buy certain products.
A different origin for the term brownie points is associated with Dr. Gregory G. Brown’s efforts to develop a working system of awarding merits and demerits to railroad workers during the latter part of the 19th century. Within a few years, workers began referring to accumulated merit as brownie points. Over time, the term has become a popular means of referring to any type of reward afforded for desirable behavior.
There is also an alleged origin for brownie points that has to do with the Girls Scouts. Within that organization, it was common to award merit badges for mastering certain skills or performing certain good deeds. The badges were considered points that gave some information about the member’s position within the Brownie Girl Scouts, leading to the badges as outward signs of accumulating brownie points.
Whatever the true origin of the term, “brownie points” has come to mean gaining favor in the eyes of another. Romantic partners earn points when they do something their partners enjoy. Employees also receive this type of recognition when they do exemplary work for employers. Even kids can score points with their parents for doing their homework without prodding, cleaning their rooms, and generally following the house rules. Typically, accumulating these points leads to receiving something that’s considered desirable, such as special treatment, a pay raise, or the right to use the family car for a date.
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