Honey dipper


A honey dipper is a kitchen utensil used to collect viscous liquid from a container, which is then dispensed at another location.

Description

The tool is often made of turned wood. Besides the handle, the tool consists of equally spaced grooves. Often, the grooves descend in circumference on each new groove.
The utensil is sometimes made of plastic, stainless steel, silver-plated brass, silicone, ceramic, or glass. Some users prefer wood or another soft material, which is less likely to chip a glass or porcelain cup.

Use

One method of using the tool is to dip the grooved end into the liquid, rotate the handle into a horizontal position, then slowly twirl the handle between the thumb and fingers while in transport, as the concentric grooves help to minimize dripping. When the twirling motion is stopped, the honey will collect on the lower parts of the tool and drip off, thus dispensing the honey.
The tool is commonly used to drizzle honey on bread, biscuits, or other foods of that nature.

In popular culture

The mascot of Honey Nut Cheerios, "BuzzBee", has carried various incarnations of honey dippers. Sources that show a honey dipper has been carried by the Honey Nut Cheerios mascot:
Since the 1920s, the term "honey dipper" has been used as a euphemism for the workers who empty septic tanks, clean latrines, and do similar work.
Sources for the alternative slang meaning of "honey dipper":