penny candy

Beginner 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

Inexpensive candy sold individually or in bulk, traditionally priced at one cent or a few cents per piece. Common in general stores and neighborhood shops, especially appealing to children with limited spending money.

Example Usage

Back in the 1970s, kids could buy a handful of penny candy for a quarter at the corner store.

Origin

The term reflects historical pricing; as inflation increased, 'penny candy' became a nostalgic reference to its original affordable cost rather than its actual price.

Fun Fact

The general store's penny candy counter was a cultural touchstone of childhood in early-to-mid 20th century America and remains iconic in nostalgia.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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