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What Are Little Boys Made Of? (Nursery Rhyme)

Summary

This nursery rhyme explores traditional gender stereotypes in a playful manner by describing what little boys and little girls are metaphorically 'made of.' It suggests that boys are composed of 'snips, snails, and puppy-dogs' tails,' which might imply mischief, roughness, or adventurous qualities commonly attributed to masculinity. Conversely, it describes girls as being made of 'sugar, spice, and everything nice,' indicating sweetness, gentleness, and agreeableness often associated with femininity. The rhyme offers a reflection of societal perceptions about gender roles during the time it was popularized, serving as a simple, memorable way to express these ideas through rhyme and rhythm. Teachers and parents can use it as a discussion starter for exploring how such perceptions have evolved or remained.

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What are little boys made of?
What are little boys made of?
Snips, snails
And puppy-dogs’ tails
That’s what little boys are made of

What are little girls made of?
What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice
And everything nice
That’s what little girls are made of.

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