Dolls have been a popular toy for centuries, and they've been subject to some surprising and amusing facts over the years. From historical tidbits to modern-day memes, here are ten funny and unexpected facts about dolls that are sure to make you laugh.
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The first-ever Barbie doll had a completely different face and hairstyle than the iconic doll we know today.
When Barbie was first introduced in 1959, she had a drastically different appearance than the doll we know and love today. Her original hairstyle was a short, curly bob, and her facial features were more subdued than the glamorous look we associate with Barbie today. Over the years, Barbie has undergone many changes and makeovers, reflecting the ever-changing beauty standards of society.
The first-ever Barbie doll
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The term "doll" originally referred to a small gift or trinket, and it wasn't until the 16th century that it was used to describe a child's toy.
The word "doll" has its origins in the medieval English term "dolly," which referred to a small trinket or ornament. It wasn't until the 16th century that the term began to be used to describe a child's toy. Today, dolls are an essential part of childhood and are beloved by children of all ages.
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Raggedy Ann, one of the most popular dolls in the early 20th century, was originally a character in a children's book before becoming a toy.
Raggedy Ann, the beloved rag doll with red yarn hair and a stitched-on smile, was originally a character in a children's book written by Johnny Gruelle. After the success of the book, Gruelle began producing the dolls, which quickly became a hit among children in the early 20th century. Today, Raggedy Ann is considered a classic toy and is still popular among children and collectors.
Raggedy Ann
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The Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Barbie dolls belongs to a woman in Germany, who owns over 15,000 of them.
One woman in Germany holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Barbie dolls, with over 15,000 in her possession. Bettina Dorfmann has been collecting Barbie dolls for over 20 years and has amassed a vast collection, including rare and limited-edition dolls.
Bettina Dorfmann
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The first-ever talking doll, Chatty Cathy, was introduced in 1959 and had a pull-string that would make her say various phrases.
Chatty Cathy, introduced in 1959, was the first-ever talking doll. She had a pull-string on her back that would make her say various phrases, including "I love you" and "Please take me with you." Chatty Cathy was a huge success and paved the way for other talking dolls that followed.
First-ever chatty Cathy
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In Japan, there is a traditional doll festival called Hinamatsuri, where families display elaborate sets of dolls representing the imperial court.
Hinamatsuri, also known as the Doll Festival, is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on March 3rd. During this festival, families display elaborate sets of dolls representing the imperial court, complete with miniature furniture and accessories. The festival is a celebration of girls and is intended to bring good luck and happiness to families.
Hinamatsuri Festival
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In the early 20th century, dolls made from dried apples were a popular toy in the United States.
In the early 20th century, dolls made from dried apples were a popular toy in the United States. The dolls were made by peeling and coring an apple, drying it, and then dressing it up with clothes and accessories. The dolls were a cheap and easy toy that could be made at home, and they were a way for families to entertain their children during a time when money was scarce.
Dried apple doll
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The Bratz doll line, known for their exaggerated makeup and fashion, was created as a direct competitor to Barbie.
The Bratz doll line, which was introduced in 2001, was created as a direct competitor to Barbie. Unlike Barbie, which had been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, the Bratz dolls featured exaggerated makeup, fashion, and attitudes, reflecting the edgier pop culture trends of the time. Although controversial, the Bratz dolls became extremely popular and led to a wave of imitators in the doll market.
Bratz Dolls
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In the 18th century, some dolls were designed to be used as pincushions and were adorned with decorative pins.
In the 18th century, some dolls were designed to be used as pincushions and were adorned with decorative pins. These dolls were a practical yet whimsical way for women to keep their sewing materials organized, and they often featured elaborate clothing and hairstyles. Today, antique pincushion dolls are highly collectible and can fetch high prices at auction.
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The Ken doll, Barbie's longtime boyfriend, was named after the son of Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler.
The Ken doll, named after the son of Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler, was introduced in 1961 as a counterpart to the iconic Barbie doll. Ken has undergone many changes over the years, reflecting the evolving fashion and beauty standards of society. Despite some controversy over his physique and role in promoting traditional gender roles, Ken remains a beloved character in the Barbie universe.
Ken Doll
In conclusion, dolls have a rich history and continue to be a beloved toy among children and collectors alike. These ten surprising and hilarious facts about dolls show that there's always something new to learn and appreciate about these iconic playthings.
