Pirate’s Booty is a puffed corn and rice snack that my children and students eat often.
One of my favorite questions to ask these kids while eating this snack is this:
“Do you think the booty in Pirate Booty refers to the pirate’s treasure or the pirate’s butt?”
Children insist it’s the pirate’s treasure, but they often waver when I point out that the small snack puffs resemble a tiny butt.
So last January, I wrote to Hershey, the maker of Pirate Booty, for an answer. I wrote:
_________________________
January 12, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
I’m a parent of two children and an elementary school teacher who watches a lot of children eat an enormous amount of Pirate’s Booty.
For years, I’ve been asking these children:
Is the Pirate’s Booty a reference to the pirate’s treasure (booty) or the pirate’s butt (booty)?
Most children argue in favor of the treasure, but I am quick to point out that the actual Pirate’s Booty does look like little butts.
Most are unconvinced. They think I’m crazy and annoying.
Could you please settle it for us once and for all?
Warmly,
Matthew Dicks
_________________________
It took a while, but I received an answer two weeks ago.
They wrote:
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Dear Matthew,
Thank you for contacting The Hershey Company. We appreciate your interest in PIRATE’S BOOTY. The BOOTY is referring to the Pirate’s treasure.
Thank you again, Matthew, for taking the time to write to us.
Sincerely,
Dora W.
Consumer Representative
Case #10913560
_________________________
I don’t know why responding took eight months, but I was thrilled. On the first day of school, as three students consumed Pirate’s Booty for a snack, I shared the story and the letter.
They couldn’t believe it.
Unfortunately, the late arrival of the response meant that I needed to photocopy the letter, write a letter of my own, and send it to my 19 students from last year so they could know what the booty in Pirate’s Booty is referring to, and more importantly, the joy in asking questions, writing letters, and being silly.
They will be receiving those letters at their homes today. I only wish I could see the looks on their faces when they read Dora’s letter.
I would’ve also loved to see the look on Dora’s face when she opened my letter and read my request.
I hope it made her laugh as much as her response made me laugh.
