Vernacular Spectacular #1: “cotton candy” vs. “fairy floss”

In this as-yet-unnamed feature (Word War? Phrase Fracas?), we will be pitting an American way of saying something versus an Australian way. Perhaps Beckie can join in which she prefers, although there’s no suspense since she always prefers the Australian way.

Up first we have “cotton candy” versus “fairy floss”. The big advantage of “cotton candy” is that the carnival treat in question really does look like cotton. Whereas I’m not sure if the idea behind the name “fairy floss” is that this is supposed to be what fairies use to clean their teeth with. If so, considering how much sugar is involved, no wonder Tinkerbell prefers the closed-mouth smile. On the other side, “Fairy floss is alliterative, and both words are fun, whereas “candy” is just meh.

Jeremy’s winner: fairy floss

1 thought on “Vernacular Spectacular #1: “cotton candy” vs. “fairy floss”

  1. I think the fact that fairy floss actually looks like cotton makes the name boringly literal, so it’s hardly an advantage. Fairy floss is more whimsical, as well as sounding better. Floss can also mean thread, so you can imagine fairies spinning floss out of sugar.

    Beckie’s winner: fairy floss

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