candy striper

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

One who paints stripes on candy canes so as to cheer people up. The term also arose in 1944 and refers to the first "Candy Stripers" - a group of high school girls who volunteered as hospital workers at East Orange General Hospital. The name reflected the red and white-striped material sewn by the first volunteers.

[edit] Noun

candy striper (plural candy stripers)

  1. (US) A volunteer worker in a hospital or hospice.
  2. (US) One who cheers others up with their youthful exuberance.
    The entire convalescent home came to life as soon as the candy striper Cindy arrived.
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