Papillote is a French Christmas candy as popular as candy canes in the States. Though it doesn't look anything like a candy cane it is made of chocolate. You might think it is a bit odd that I am writing about a Christmas candy during Easter ... Though you will see my story doesn't have anything to do with Christmas except the name of the candy.
Since Martin and Chelsea did not want to reveal Olivia's name until she was born they called her, "Papillote" in the months leading up to her birth.
Gabriel understood this to mean Olivia had this name. From that moment on the name, "Papillote" has stuck with him.
When we arrived at my Mom's home Gabriel said his sister's name was, "Papillote".
My mother had a difficult time pronouncing "Papillote" so she asked Gabriel to teach her how to say it.
Gabriel would say, "Pap-pee-ought".
My mother tried and tried to pronounce it though she just couldn't get it right.
After the 100th time, my mother gave up and said,
"Okay, forget about it, I am going to call her, "Tapioca".
And she did.
The day went on with my mother singing and saying, "Tapioca" and Gabriel correcting her every time,
"No, Vavalinga it isn't "Tapioca", it is "Papillote".
But my mother shook her head adding, "I cannot pronounce it, so Tapioca it is."
By the end of the day, I don't know who said it first, the two names merged -
"Papioca"
and just like that, another nickname came to be.
When two words are combined -- as Papillote and Tapicoa are in this case -- there's actually a term for this linguistic phenomenon. It's called a "portmanteau"!
Posted by: Kathie B | 07 April 2022 at 11:44 PM
Delightful!
Posted by: Lil | 08 April 2022 at 12:45 AM
What a wonderful time you had.
Posted by: Candi D. | 08 April 2022 at 07:25 AM
Darling girl and nickname!
Posted by: Shelby | 08 April 2022 at 07:56 AM
That is a great story and a great combination, it made me laugh out loud thinking of that darling wee girl being called Tapioca! Cheers Jennie, NZ
Posted by: Jennifer Phillipps | 08 April 2022 at 11:11 AM
Papioca! Love it!
Posted by: jackie | 08 April 2022 at 01:18 PM
How sweet are your stories.
Much love
Posted by: Jeanne | 08 April 2022 at 02:09 PM
What a sweet nickname!
Posted by: Bev S. | 08 April 2022 at 02:14 PM
What a great story - one that will pass down through the years 💜
Posted by: Darles | 08 April 2022 at 02:25 PM
Adorable story and a unique nickname.
Papioca it is❤️
Posted by: Judyo | 08 April 2022 at 02:55 PM
This is a wonderful story, Corey!
A delightful way to start my day!
Thanks for sharing it with us!💕
Posted by: Kathy | 08 April 2022 at 05:10 PM
I’m smiling...
Ali
Posted by: Ali | 09 April 2022 at 12:11 AM
I love it. Sounds like a new Latin dance. Doing the Papioca!
Posted by: Teddee Grace | 09 April 2022 at 07:46 PM
Now that just makes me smile. I loooooove it!
Posted by: Marilyn | 12 April 2022 at 01:47 AM