What Does Kit Kat Really Stand For?
August 28, 2023
source: iStock/Ekaterina79
You know, I’ve always had a soft spot for sweet treats. So, when I got curious about the story behind the name “Kit Kat,” I decided to do some digging. And boy, was I in for a surprise! It turns out, the story of Kit Kat’s name is like a puzzle, with different pieces from history and legends coming together.
Some folks out there claim that the name “Kit Kat” has something to do with an English club named the Kit-Cat Club. Yep, you heard that right – a club! Back in the 17th century, there was this group of writers and artists who met at a place called the Kit-Cat Club. They were known for their witty conversations and their love for mutton pies, which eventually led to the name being associated with a variety of things, including the famous chocolate bar.
But that’s not the only theory floating around. Some people believe that “Kit Kat” is actually an acronym for “Keep In Touch, Kappa Alpha Theta.” Now, that’s a mouthful!
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting. According to Nestlé, the company that produces Kit Kat, the true story behind the name dates back to the 18th century. It involves a literary club named after a man named Christopher Catling – or Kit Cat, for short. This club was a gathering place for some of the most brilliant minds of its time, including writers, politicians, and artists. It’s said that they were the ones who officially inspired the name of the beloved chocolate bar.
But wait, there’s more! You see, before Kit Kat became the chocolate bar we all know and love, it made its debut as an assortment of chocolates in the 1920s. And guess what? The name “Kit Kat” was already there on those boxes of chocolates. So, it seems like the association with the literary club’s name goes way back. Nestle, the company that makes Kit Kat bars, says that a confectioner named Joseph Rowntree came up with the name and began selling the treat in 1935. So, as it turns out, we can’t be 100% sure about how the name started, but all the theories are very interesting.
In the end, it seems that the true origin of the Kit Kat name is deeply intertwined with history, literary clubs, and creative minds. From the Kit-Cat Club to the Kappa Alpha Theta acronym, these theories show just how imaginative people can be when trying to uncover the secrets behind a simple name.
I don’t know about you, but learning about the history of Kit Kat has made me appreciate those delicious chocolate-covered wafer layers even more. The next time I take a break and enjoy a Kit Kat, I’ll remember that it’s not just a snack – it’s a piece of history, a connection to the past that has managed to stay sweet through the ages. And who knows, maybe someday I’ll come up with my own theory about the name of another beloved treat. Until then, here’s to Kit Kat and its wonderfully mysterious name!
