Stocking stuffer and stocking filler

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Grammarist

The terms stocking stuffer and stocking filler first appeared in the 1940s. We will examine the definition of stocking stuffer and stocking filler where these expressions came from and some examples of their use in sentences.

A stocking stuffer or stocking filler is a small Christmas gift placed in a Christmas stocking. A stocking stuffer or stocking filler is not traditionally a substantial present, it is instead a small trinket designed to amuse. The idea of the Christmas stocking and filling the stocking with small trinkets comes from a legend concerning St. Nicholas. In the story, a father of three daughters is too poor to afford dowries for his children, so they can not marry. St. Nicholas throws three sacks of gold down the chimney of the man’s house. These sacks of gold fall into the girls’ stockings, which are hung by the fire to dry. Today, St. Nicholas is confabulated with Santa Claus, and many of his stories and legends contribute to the narrative of Santa Claus. Stocking stuffer is the preferred American term, while stocking filler is the preferred British term. The plural forms are stocking stuffers and stocking fillers. When used as an adjective before a noun, these terms are hyphenated as in stocking-stuffer and stocking-filler.

Examples

Some people like to keep the stocking stuffers cheap, while other people use the stockings to go all out with smaller gifts like jewelry or watches. (The Journal Review)

To add another layer of pressure to the final dash, perhaps you have that hard-to-buy-for fitness fanatic or health-conscious person on your list for which you need one more perfect stocking stuffer. (The Times)

So whether you’re looking for Christmas stocking filler ideas for the boyfriend, cheap inspiration for the kids or even stocking fillers for the dog, this is your go-to guide. (The Mirror)