The nursery rhyme "What Are Little Boys Made Of?" describes little boys as being made of "snips and snails and puppy dogs' tails." This traditional rhyme contrasts boys with little girls, who are said to be made of "sugar and spice and everything nice." The rhyme dates back to the early 19th century and is often attributed to the English poet Robert Southey, though the exact authorship is uncertain
. The most common modern version of the rhyme goes: What are little boys made
of?
Snips and snails
And puppy dogs' tails,
That's what little boys are made of. What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice
And everything nice,
That's what little girls are made of
. There are many variants of the rhyme where "snips" may be replaced by words like "snaps," "frogs," "snakes," or "slugs." The rhyme is traditionally interpreted as a playful way to express perceived differences between boys and girls, though modern takes often emphasize that boys are more than these stereotypes, highlighting creativity, kindness, and potential beyond the original lines
