Silly String is a simple toy that induces giggles, prompts “fights,” and makes funny messes. It’s an inexpensive product that livens up parties, tags people at festivals, and can often be found in children’s backpacks.

The product is sprayed from an aerosol can that forms slightly sticky strings that temporarily adhere to people or objects. It is a mixture of multiple components including a polymer resin and plasticizer to give it structure, surfactant that causes foaming, flame retardant, pigment for color, and silicone fluid that makes it easier to clean up.

Silly String was created by accident in 1972 by inventor Leonard A. Fish and chemist Robert P. Cox. The pair were originally trying to create an aerosol can spray that could create an instant cast for sprained or broken arms/legs. While testing their product, Fish found a can nozzle that could shoot the string about 30 feet. Recognizing its potential as a toy, they altered the formula to be less sticky and added colors to make it more fun.

They took the product to Wham-O toy company, and Fish took a bold tactic to show off their product by spraying it on the person they were meeting. He didn’t react very well to being covered in silly string, and kicked Fish and Cox out of the office. After the Wham-O representative cleaned up his office, the company owners stopped by and noticed a stray piece of Silly String he had missed. They told him to contact Fish and Cox to request that samples be sent over for market testing. Just two weeks later, the pair signed a contract with Wham-O to license and produce Silly String.

Wham-O produced Silly String in blue, red, and green colors, then expanded to include several other hues. Since its introduction in the early ‘70s, Silly String has become a regular product at festive gatherings, schools, and just about anywhere that needs a bit of silly fun.