Hokey pokey

Hokey pokey is a term with various meanings and uses in different parts of the world. It is most commonly associated with a popular children's song and dance, a type of candy from New Zealand, and a slang term for ice cream in the United Kingdom.

Hokey pokey song and dance

The hokey pokey is a participatory dance with a distinctive accompanying tune and lyric structure. It is well-known in English-speaking countries and is often performed at parties, social gatherings, and public events. The dance involves participants standing in a circle and performing a series of movements in time with the music, typically involving stepping in and out of the circle and shaking various body parts. The song's lyrics instruct the dancers on which actions to perform.

Hokey pokey candy

In New Zealand, hokey pokey refers to a type of candy made from brown sugar, corn syrup, baking soda, and vinegar. The ingredients are heated together to create a caramel, then the baking soda is added to create a reaction that makes the mixture frothy. Once cooled, the candy has a hard, crunchy texture and a sweet, toffee-like flavor. It is a popular ingredient in Hokey Pokey Ice Cream, a flavor unique to New Zealand.

Hokey pokey ice cream

In the United Kingdom, hokey pokey was a slang term for ice cream sold by street vendors, or "hokey pokey men". The term was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the London area. The phrase "hokey pokey" is thought to have been derived from the Italian phrase "Oche poco", meaning "Oh how little", referring to the small amount of ice cream sold for a penny.

See also

• List of dances
• List of candies
• List of ice cream flavors