General
brownie
What does brownie mean?
A benevolent domestic sprite who does chores by night in return for a little food.
"They said a brownie kept the auld farm in order."
Origin
Scots, from 'brown' (its dusky colour) + '-ie', a house-spirit of Lowland folklore.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'brownie' in folklore?
In Scottish folklore a brownie is a benevolent household spirit that does chores by night in return for a little food, such as a bowl of cream.
Where does the name 'brownie' come from?
It's Scots, from 'brown' (its dusky colour) plus the diminutive '-ie', naming a helpful house-spirit of Lowland folklore.
Is this the same brownie as the cake or the Girl Guides?
The cake and the junior Girl Guides section both take their name from this folklore spirit, though here the word specifically means the household sprite.
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