Tales behind goodies

What does "Doritos" mean? The naming of our favourite snacks

Image: Nelly Antoniadou

Doritos, Kit Kats, Oreos… We don’t think twice about the names of these products when we pick them up. It feels like those words have been in our vocabulary forever –and, indeed, the history of some of these brands exceeds our lifetimes! Today, we want to look into the motives and creative associations that gave birth to the names of the world’s favourite snacks.

Image: DENİZ ÇAĞLUSU

The name Doritos is thought to come from the Spanish doradito, meaning "little golden thing". A fitting description for the bright, fried tortilla chips, don’t you think?

Their story begins in the 1960s at Disneyland, where a restaurant run by Frito-Lay began repurposing leftover tortillas by cutting and frying them instead of tossing them.

Image: Obi

Launched by Nabisco in 1934, Ritz crackers were named to conjure an image of luxury in the middle of the Great Depression.

"Ritz" evoked the glamour of the Ritz hotels, offering people a small "bite of the good life" during hard times.

Image: Justin

Kit Kat snacks were born as "Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp" in the UK. Not very catchy.

However, they were eventually rebranded with a name inspired by London’s 18th-century "Kit-Cat Club," a gathering spot for political and literary figures. And "Kit Kat" was certainly easier to market globally!

Image: No Revisions

Nabisco trademarked Oreo in 1912, but they never explained the true meaning of their cookie’s name. Theories abound: some say it comes from the French or ("gold"), others suggest the Greek oreo ("mountain"), or that it was simply a short, punchy word chosen to be memorable.

Image: Shyam Mishra

When Mars introduced this nougat, caramel, and peanut bar, they named it after the family’s favorite horse, Snickers.

The bar went on to become one of the best-selling candies in the world, though in the UK it was marketed for decades as "Marathon" before aligning with the global name.

Image: Midas Hofstra

Another favourite treat launched in the UK! Twix got its name as a clever contraction of "twin sticks," referring to the two cookie-and-caramel bars packaged side by side.

It was important for the name to indicate the bar’s unique double format, which would set it apart from single-stick competitors like Mars or Milky Way.

Image: Oksana Zub

The two "Ms" derive from Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie, the unlikely business partners who brought the candy.

Mars had the recipe for chocolate coated in a hard shell (inspired by similar treats eaten by Spanish soldiers), while Murrie, son of Hershey’s president, secured access to wartime chocolate supplies.

Image: Giorgio Trovato

Originally styled as "Chee-tos," the name was meant to be playful, quirky, and easy for kids to say. And, of course, to remind them of cheese!

The brand took off nationally after partnering with Frito-Lay, and later introduced the mascot Chester Cheetah, which became a snack-world cultural icon.

Image: Zoshua Colah

Lay’s logo and bright colors are a signature aesthetic, but the origin of their name is quite straightforward: The brand was founded by Herman W. Lay.

This chip company was one of the first to successfully market packaged potato chips nationwide in the US.

Image: Michelle Riach

The bite-sized chocolate drops earned the name "Kisses" from their smooch-like shape and possibly the gentle kissing sound made by early machines. Today, Kisses remain one of the company’s signature products.

Image: Zoshua Colah

The name of Kellogg’s toaster pastry was a pun on the trendy Pop Art movement of the era, the 60s. Funnily enough, nowadays, some people might struggle to define pop art, but they can certainly describe the snack!

Image: Nikolaos Kofidis

Did you know that Ferrero’s famous spread began as a wartime improvisation? Scarce cocoa was mixed with hazelnuts, and it soon became the crowd’s favourite.

It first appeared as Giandujot, then Supercrema, before Michele Ferrero rebranded it, combining the English word "nut" with the friendly Italian-sounding suffix "-ella."

Image: Safwan C K

Created in Switzerland by Theodor Tobler, the bar fused his family name with torrone, the Italian word for nougat. Its triangular shape was a nod to Alpine peaks that are also a trademark of their packaging. It remains one of the most iconic Swiss exports.

Risky business

The world's 10 most dangerous jobs: You won't believe what's at #4!

Image: John O'Nolan

All jobs come with risks, but some are far more dangerous than others. Certain jobs aren’t for everyone, yet someone has to do them—and many take them on with remarkable dedication and enthusiasm. Here are 10 of the most dangerous jobs in the world, ranked from least to most dangerous. Let’s take a look!

Image: Scott Rodgerson

This is likely one of the first professions that comes to mind when we think of dangerous jobs. While it’s true that police work can put an officer’s physical safety at risk, here it ranks at number 10 on the list. It may not be the most deadly job, but the high level of unpredictability and constant stress officers face makes it a career not suited for everyone.

Image: MRC Témiscamingue

When it comes to non-fatal injuries, factory workers are among the most at risk. With production lines filled with heavy machinery and hazardous materials, accidents happen more often than we'd like. In 2022 alone, over 350,000 non-fatal injuries were reported in US manufacturing jobs, many involving hand injuries from contact with equipment.

Image: Zetong Li

Traffic, especially on highways and busy roads, can be dangerous. Professional drivers must not only be familiar with their own vehicle and the road, but also remain alert to the unpredictable behavior of others. Fatigue from long hours of work is another significant risk factor. For these reasons, being a cab, bus, or truck driver can actually be more dangerous than being a police officer. Surprising, right? But it's true: according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents generally account for about 37% of all work-related fatalities.

Image: Jay Clark

Refuse collectors come in at #7 on the list. These everyday heroes face risks that most people are unaware of. Apart from dealing with constant traffic, they're exposed to contamination, harmful bacteria, and even physical injuries from sharp or hazardous items hidden in the trash. Applause for collectors and the incredible work they do!

Image: Zohair Mirza

If you're afraid of heights, this probably isn't the job for you. Roofers consistently rank among the top 5 most dangerous jobs in the US and the world! But it's not just the height that makes this job risky; handling heavy, sometimes hazardous materials while maintaining balance is enough to challenge even the most experienced tightrope walker. On top of that, cold, windy, or wet weather makes the job even riskier.

Image: Pedro Henrique Santos

Despite technological advances, mining remains a perilous job. Working deep underground comes with constant risk: tunnels can collapse, potentially trapping workers or causing painful, even fatal, injuries. In addition, remote locations, extreme temperatures, and exposure to chemicals and explosives only add to the dangers. For these reasons, miners rank at #5 on this list of the world’s most dangerous jobs.

Image: Rob Mulder

Just like us, you might be surprised to learn that farmers rank #4 among the most dangerous jobs. While life in the countryside may seem peaceful compared to the city, farming is actually very demanding.

Farmers work long hours and face constant risks: handling animals, operating large and dangerous machinery, exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, and working on uneven terrain, ladders, or inside silos are just some of the challenges they confront every day.

Image: Kristopher Allison

While miners face danger underground, pilots confront it in the skies. Being a pilot can be thrilling and rewarding, but it also carries serious risks. Operating complex aircraft at high altitudes means that any mechanical failure can be extremely difficult to manage. Pilots can’t always land immediately in an emergency and may have to remain in the air while troubleshooting. Add unpredictable weather into the mix, and it’s clear why this is one of the most demanding—and dangerous—jobs.

Image: Paul Einerhand

Commercial fishing is nothing like spending a relaxing Saturday casting a line with a friend. These workers can spend months at sea, operating heavy equipment while navigating rough waters, unpredictable weather, and even the dangers posed by marine wildlife. In the US, studies show that about 51% of fishing-related fatalities are caused by vessel disasters, while 30% result from falls overboard—making this one of the most perilous jobs in the world**.**

Image: The Oregon State University Collections and Archives

Using large axes and chainsaws while surrounded by massive trees that could fall at any moment is just one of the everyday dangers loggers face. In fact, the risk is so high that they hold the #1 spot among the world’s most dangerous jobs. Logging carries a high risk of fatalities and injuries each year, with most deaths caused by falling trees.