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Apom-pom – also spelledpom-pon,pompom orpompon – is a decorative ball or tuft of fibrous material.
The term may refer to large tufts used bycheerleaders, or a small, tighter ball attached to the top of a hat, also known as abobble ortoorie.
Pom-poms may come in many colours, sizes, and varieties and are made from a wide array of materials, includingwool,cotton,paper,plastic,thread,glitter and occasionallyfeathers. Pom-poms are shaken bycheerleaders, pom ordance teams, and sports fans duringspectator sports.
Pom-pom, also called apom orcheerleading pom, is derived from the French wordpompon, which refers to a small decorative ball made of fabric or feathers. It also means an "ornamental round tuft" and originally refers to its use on a hat, or an "ornamental tuft; tuft-like flower head."[1]
Cheerleading innovatorLawrence Herkimer received a patent for the pom-pom in 1968. His original patent application, for which he called the inventionpom-pon, mentioned that they were made out of crepe paper or other similar material.[2][3] Since then pom-poms have been made of plastic but mylar (also calledBoPET) has become increasingly popular in recent years.[4]
Cheerleading pom-poms come in a variety of shapes, styles, colors, color combinations, and sizes. The most common size, the six-inch (150 mm) works most age groups or performance type. This size can be used for dance teams, pom squads, cheerleaders, and majorettes, easily making it the most versatile strand length on the market.[5] The second most common size, the five-inch (130 mm), is adequate for any age group or performance type, but the marginally shorter strands provide the necessary flash while acting more as an accent to the uniform.[5]
Pom-poms are also waved by sports fans, primarily at college and high school sports events in the United States. These inexpensive, light-weightfaux pom-poms, or rooter poms, typically come in team colors, are sometimes given away or sold to spectators at such events.[5]
In reference toScottishHighland dress and Scottish military uniforms, the small pom-pom on the crown of such hats as theBalmoral, theGlengarry, and theTam o' Shanter is called a "toorie."[6][7]
The toorie is generally made of yarn and is traditionally red on both Balmorals and Glengarries (although specific units have used other colours).[8] It has evolved into the smaller pom-pom found on older-stylegolf caps and the button atopbaseball caps.
The word toorie is used for any such hat decoration in theScots language, irrespective of the headgear.
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Pom-poms are sometimes used as children's toys. They are a common feature at the ends of the handlebars of children'stricycles andbicycles. They are also used in children's artistic crafts to add texture and color.
Pom poms is also commonly used for gift wrapping and in parties and occasions to add a flair of fun.
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