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Woggle

A woggle, also known as a neckerchief slide, is a small ring or clasp—often made from materials such as leather, cord, metal, or bone—designed to secure the neckerchief or scarf at the throat as part of the uniform in Scouting and Guiding organizations worldwide.^[1] It serves as a practical alternative to tying a loose knot, preventing the fabric from tightening uncomfortably during activities.^[2] The woggle originated in the early 1920s within the British Scout Movement, invented by Bill Shankley, an 18-year-old employee at Gilwell Park, the International Scout training center.^[3] Inspired by American Scouts' use of bone or wood rings called "Boon-Doggles"—a playful term possibly derived from "dog bones" as a skit—Shankley crafted the first woggle as a Turks Head knot from leather belting.^[2] He coined the name "woggle" to rhyme with "Boon-Doggle," and it gained quick approval from the Camp Chief and Chief Scout Robert Baden-Powell.^[3] By 1923, the woggle had been popularized by the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Troop, composed of Wood Badge course participants, and was formally referenced in The Scout magazine on June 9 of that year.^[2] Baden-Powell officially endorsed the term in the 14th edition of Scouting for Boys in 1929, stating that the scarf "may be fastened at the throat by a knot or woggle, which is some form of ring made of cord or handkerchief."^[3] Prior editions had simply recommended a ring, but the woggle's adoption marked a shift from improvised knots—common since Scouting's founding in 1908—to a standardized accessory.^[2] Over time, its use expanded globally, with variations including the restricted Gilwell woggle for trained leaders from 1943 to 1989, symbolizing leadership and tradition within the movement.^[3] Today, woggles remain an iconic element of Scout uniforms, customizable with beads or designs to denote achievements or affiliations.^[2]

Etymology and Name Origins

Earliest Recorded Use

The earliest recorded use of the term "woggle" appears in the June 1923 issue of The Scout magazine, where an article titled "Wear a Scarf Woggle" described it as a fastening device for the neckerchief, designed by W.D. Shankley, a staff member at Gilwell Park.^[4] This reference marked the introduction of "woggle" into Scouting literature, coinciding with its initial association with leader training programs at Gilwell Park in the early 1920s.^[4] The term gained further official recognition in 1929, when Robert Baden-Powell referenced it in the 14th edition of Scouting for Boys, recommending the woggle (noted in inverted commas as emerging slang) as a preferred method for securing the neckerchief at the throat, replacing earlier mentions of a generic "ring."^[4] This endorsement by the founder of Scouting helped standardize the woggle within the movement's uniform practices. The concept drew brief inspiration from American Scouting's ring-style fasteners, known as "boondoggles," which influenced early designs at Gilwell.^[4]

Linguistic Derivations

The term "woggle" is believed to derive from an earlier English verb form akin to "waggle" and "wobble," attested in the 16th century with meanings related to unsteady or swaying motion, such as moving something fixed at one end with short, quick side-to-side or up-and-down shifts.^[5] This linguistic root may have been selected for the Scouting device due to its sliding or "woggling" action along the neckerchief, evoking a sense of playful instability.^[3] A prominent theory posits that "woggle" emerged as a deliberate rhyme with "boondoggle," the American English term for decorative braided lanyards or cords, often used in early 20th-century youth activities and popularized in Scouting contexts for similar scarf-fastening items.^[6] This playful adaptation created a distinct, Scouting-specific nomenclature, transforming the borrowed concept into a uniquely British-influenced term while retaining the whimsical connotation of non-utilitarian craftsmanship.^[7] The term "woggle" evolved into a noun as established jargon within the Scouting movement during the 1920s, solidifying its association with neckerchief fasteners. Baden-Powell referenced the term in the 1929 edition of Scouting for Boys, contributing to its widespread adoption.^[5]

Historical Development

Pre-Woggle Neckerchief Methods

In the formative years of the Scouting movement, beginning in 1908, neckerchiefs were secured by tying a loose knot at the throat, a method outlined in Robert Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys as the standard way to fasten the triangularly folded scarf around the neck.^[8] This approach emphasized simplicity and utility, with the neckerchief serving practical roles such as protecting the neck from the sun or functioning as an emergency bandage tied with a reef knot.^[8] However, the loose knot frequently caused the fabric to crease and shift during physical activities, resulting in discomfort and slippage for the wearer.^[9] Official guidelines, including early editions of the Boy Scout Regulations and Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), mandated this knotting technique until at least 1919, when the item was renamed from "neckerchief" to "scarf."^[4] The adoption of this knotting method in Scouting traced its roots to Baden-Powell's military background, particularly his service in the Second Matabele War of 1896 in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).^[10] During the campaign, Baden-Powell worked alongside American scout Frederick Russell Burnham, who wore a grey bandana loosely knotted around his neck for protection against sunburn and as a multifunctional tool for wiping sweat or signaling.^[10] Inspired by Burnham's practical attire—part of the broader South African irregular forces' uniform—Baden-Powell incorporated the loosely tied neckwear into the Scout uniform design upon founding the movement in 1908, adapting it from wartime utility to a symbol of readiness and hygiene.^[10] This influence extended to Baden-Powell's recommendation in Scouting for Boys to tie a daily knot in the neckerchief as a reminder to perform a good turn, reinforcing the knot's ritualistic and functional role.^[8] As Scouting expanded internationally, variations emerged in fastening techniques, notably among American troops in the early 1920s. American Scouts improvised rings crafted from everyday materials such as bone, rope, or wood to hold their scarves in place without knotting, addressing the creasing and instability issues of the traditional method.^[10] These rudimentary rings, sometimes referred to as "boon-doggles," highlighted ongoing experiments in uniform practicality.^[9] This innovation provided a more secure and crease-free alternative, reflecting the adaptive spirit of early American Scouting while maintaining the neckerchief's core purposes of protection and identification.^[10]

Invention and Early Adoption

The woggle was invented around 1922 by Bill Shankley, an 18-year-old staff member at Gilwell Park, the primary training center for Scout leaders in the United Kingdom. Shankley, tasked with workshop innovations, drew inspiration from American Scout "boondoggles"—simple ring fasteners made of bone, rope, or wood—to create a more comfortable alternative to the traditional neckerchief knots that often chafed or loosened during activities. Using thin leather belting from sewing machines, he crafted the first woggles as Turk's head knot slides, addressing a practical need for secure yet adjustable neckerchief fastening in Scouting uniforms.^[3] Early adoption occurred rapidly within Gilwell Park's training programs, where the woggle gained favor among participants in the emerging Wood Badge courses for adult leaders. By 1923, it had become popular enough to be referenced in The Scout magazine's article "Wear a Scarf Woggle" by Gilcraft (the pseudonym of Francis "Skipper" Gidney, Gilwell's first Camp Chief), which highlighted its growing use among trained Scouters. The device's utility led to formal approval by the Boy Scouts Association's Committee of the Council on July 13, 1923, solidifying its place in official practices. It was officially recognized in Scout policy by January 1924.^[4] For Wood Badge recipients, who formed the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Troop, the woggle evolved into a standard symbol of completion, worn alongside the Gilwell scarf to denote advanced training.^[3] The woggle's integration spread across British Scouting in the late 1920s, transitioning from a Gilwell-specific tool to a widespread uniform accessory. This expansion was significantly boosted by Robert Baden-Powell's endorsement in the 14th edition of Scouting for Boys (1929), where he recommended it as a preferable method for securing the neckerchief: "It may be fastened at the throat by a knot or woggle, which is some form of ring made of cord, metal or bone, or anything you like." Baden-Powell's support, as the Scouting founder, encouraged its adoption beyond training centers, promoting uniformity and practicality in troops nationwide.^[3]^[5]

Design and Materials

Common Construction Techniques

The Turk's head knot serves as the foundational technique for constructing traditional woggles, forming a secure, sliding ring through a decorative interwoven structure.^[11] This knot typically employs a three-by-four weave, characterized by three leads—representing the number of parallel strands weaving around the core—and four bights, or protruding loops, which create a compact, tubular form suitable for encircling a neckerchief.^[11] The resulting design interlocks strands in an over-under pattern without requiring adhesives, relying instead on friction and tension for stability.^[12] To tie a basic Turk's head woggle, begin with a length of cord or leather thonging, approximately 2 to 3 feet long, depending on desired size. Form an initial loop around a cylindrical core, such as a dowel or the maker's hand, to establish the first bight, then weave the working end over and under the standing strands to create additional interlocking loops. Continue this process for the specified leads and bights, passing the cord through existing gaps to build the weave progressively, until the pattern closes seamlessly. Trim excess material and tuck ends into the knot for a clean finish, ensuring the structure remains pliable.^[11]^[12] Variations in weave tightness allow for adjustability, enabling the woggle to slide smoothly along the neckerchief while gripping firmly under tension. Tighter weaves, achieved by pulling strands more firmly during construction, produce a snugger fit for heavier fabrics, whereas looser constructions facilitate easier adjustment on thinner scarves.^[13] This adaptability stems from the material's properties, such as elasticity in cord, making it versatile for scouting applications without compromising durability.^[11] Leather remains a common material choice for its suppleness and longevity in such knots.^[12]

Varied Materials and Forms

Woggles are traditionally constructed from leather thongs, valued for their durability and flexibility, which allow them to securely hold the neckerchief while conforming to movement during scouting activities.^[14] These thongs are often plaited or formed into rings with a press stud closure, providing a sturdy yet adjustable fit suitable for everyday use in uniforms.^[14] In modern adaptations, paracord has become a popular alternative due to its availability in vibrant colors and ease of customization, enabling scouts to create personalized slides that reflect group themes or individual creativity.^[15] Wood carvings offer decorative elements, often handcrafted into intricate designs that add aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality, as seen in projects promoted by scouting publications.^[16] For formal occasions, metal woggles provide a polished, enduring option, typically die-struck for precise emblems and available in finishes like gold or silver plating.^[17] The forms of woggles vary to adapt to different uniform styles and preferences, ranging from simple rings that offer minimalistic utility to more elaborate shapes such as spheres or bars.^[18] Spherical designs, for instance, incorporate holes for the neckerchief and additional features for decoration, while bar-shaped variants provide a linear structure ideal for engraved insignia. Many cord-based woggles, including those made from paracord, utilize the Turk's head knot for their interwoven form.^[19]

Specific Types and Variations

Gilwell Woggle

The Gilwell woggle is a distinctive leather slide formed by a Turk's head knot, typically a 4-lead by 5-bight design, crafted from thin sewing machine belting or similar material.^[20] This construction allows it to securely hold a neckerchief while symbolizing advanced Scouting proficiency. Created around 1920 by William Daniel "Bill" Shankley at Gilwell Park, it was approved for use by Baden-Powell and first referenced in The Scout magazine in June 1923.^[3] Awarded to adult leaders completing the Wood Badge training course, the Gilwell woggle represents commitment to Scouting leadership and enrollment in the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group, a global fellowship of trained volunteers.^[21] Introduced in 1920-1921 as part of Wood Badge insignia, its formal presentation as the Gilwell woggle for preliminary training began in 1943, though the design and name originated earlier for qualified leaders.^[22] It embodies the beaver patrol emblem of Gilwell Park, denoting industriousness and skill-building in leadership.^[22] Wearing the Gilwell woggle is restricted to those who have earned it through training, distinguishing them from general woggles used by youth or untrained adults.^[3] The program has awarded Wood Badges to over 100,000 leaders worldwide as of recent estimates, reflecting its enduring impact on Scouting leadership development.^[23]

Regional and Organizational Variants

In New Zealand, woggles frequently incorporate plastic or wooden carvings shaped like traditional Māori heads to honor cultural heritage and integrate indigenous artistry into Scouting practices. Leaders in the organization often wear leather Turk's head woggles as a mark of their training and role. Adaptations within Girl Guides organizations mirror Scout designs, maintaining functionality while sometimes incorporating decorative elements suited to their uniforms.^[24]

Usage in Scouting

Global Practices

In Scouting organizations affiliated with the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), woggles are commonly used to secure triangular neckerchiefs where such neckerchiefs form part of the uniform for youth members in Beaver, Cub, and Scout sections. Neckerchiefs may be optional in some WAGGGS member organizations.^[25]^[26] This practice promotes uniformity and group identity during meetings, camps, and outdoor activities, with the neckerchief often rolled and fastened at the throat for both ceremonial and practical purposes, such as first aid bandaging.^[25]^[26] Woggles form part of formal uniforms in these sections when worn, symbolizing commitment to Scouting values and enabling easy identification of troop or unit affiliation. At international events like World Scout Jamborees, participants frequently exchange customized woggles—often adorned with beads, engravings, or troop-specific motifs—as a gesture of camaraderie and cultural sharing among Scouts from diverse countries. Regional design variations, such as leather or embroidered styles, further personalize this accessory while maintaining its functional role.^[27]^[28] The role of woggles has evolved from a near-mandatory element in early 20th-century Scouting uniforms, where they ensured a neat and standardized appearance, to an optional component in many modern programs by 2025. This shift reflects broader uniform flexibility policies adopted by WOSM and WAGGGS member organizations, allowing national associations to adapt attire to local contexts, inclusivity needs, and activity demands without compromising the neckerchief's traditional significance.^[29]^[26]

Alternatives and Equivalent Terms

In the United States, particularly within Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), the device used to secure a neckerchief is officially termed a "neckerchief slide," distinct from the "woggle" nomenclature prevalent elsewhere.^[30]^[31]^[32] These slides are frequently handmade from materials such as wood or plastic, allowing for personalized craftsmanship while adhering to uniform guidelines that permit youth-created or official designs.^[31]^[32] Various alternatives to the traditional woggle exist for fastening neckerchiefs, emphasizing simplicity and resourcefulness in Scouting practices. Common substitutes include basic knots like the friendship knot, which binds the fabric without any hardware, or practical clips such as safety pins and rubber bands for quick securing. In some European Scouting groups, toggles—simple wooden or cord-based fasteners—serve as equivalents, while boondoggles, braided leather or plastic lanyards originating from American Scouting crafts, function as decorative alternatives that can double as slides or neck ornaments.^[33]^[34]^[6] Globally, naming conventions for these fasteners vary by region, reflecting local adaptations within the Scouting movement. The term "toggle" is used in parts of Europe and Australia to describe similar ring-like devices, contrasting with the standardized "woggle." The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) has officially preferred "woggle" since the 1920s, promoting its use in international documentation to unify terminology for the neckerchief-securing accessory.^[25]^[25]

References

[1]
WOGGLE Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com
Woggle definition: the ring of leather through which a Scout neckerchief is threaded. See examples of WOGGLE used in a sentence.
[2]
Why Is A Woggle Called A Woggle? - SCOUTS South Africa
Jun 4, 2019 · The word “woggle” was used by Baden-Powell in the 14th edition of Scouting for boys, in 1929…..”it (the scarf) may be fastened at the throat by ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[3]
[PDF] The Origins of the Woggle - The Scout Association of Malta
In the 16th century 'waggle' was used as a transitive verb meaning 'to move anything held or fixed at one end to and fro with short quick motions'. By the ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[4]
[PDF] Timeline showing the development of Scout Uniform from 1908 to ...
The idea quickly became popular and an article appeared in The Scout in June 1923 called “Wear a scarf woggle” and the Committee of the Council approved the use ...
[5]
[PDF] The Origins of the Woggle - Wood Badge Alabama
Aug 3, 2017 · the 14th edition of Scouting for Boys (1929): It. (the scarf) may be fastened at the throat by a knot or woggle, which is some form of ring made ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[6]
boondoggle / woggle - Wordorigins.org
Jan 17, 2024 · But its ultimate origin is mysterious. It may be related to woggle, the British term for a scout's neckerchief slide, or it may have developed ...
[7]
The Woggle | PM Scouts
Why call it 'A Woggle'? The American Scouts called their scarf rings 'Boon-Doggles', thought to be a word play on 'dog bones' as some of the early American ...
[8]
[PDF] Scouting For Boys - The Dump
Make each Scout tie a knot in his neckerchief every morning as a reminder to carry out his idea of doing a good turn every day, till it becomes a habit with ...
[9]
The Neckerchief - Kingston Scout Museum
During the early days of the movement, the Scout scarf was tied in a loose knot at the throat- which naturally became very creased. In the early 1920s, American ...
[10]
Story of the Scout Scarf and Woggle
The scout scarf originated from Baden-Powell's war experience. The woggle was created by Bill Shankley to prevent creasing of the scarf.
[11]
Turk's Head Knot - Animated Knots
Turk's Head Knot. The Turk's Head is widely used as a slide, or woggle, for scout's scarves and is usually tied around the hand.
[12]
Turk's head - SCOUTS South Africa Wiki
### Summary of Turk's Head Knot for Woggles
[13]
[PDF] Scout Stuff - 1st Kilkenny Scouts
The traditional woggle - plaited leather and press stud - can be easily made with a thin strip of leather and a press stud kit.<|control11|><|separator|>
[14]
Neckerchief Slide - Cub Scouts - SCOUTER Forum
Mar 14, 2019 · Neckerchief slide, also called a woggle. 1. square knot: Simple and quick: cut a short llength of paracaord or 1/4in diameter rope, form a closed loop by tying ...
[15]
Get Inspired by These Hand-Carved Wooden Neckerchief Slides
Oct 29, 2025 · You can carve your own neckerchief slide. All you need is a pocketknife, a piece of wood and some imagination. Here are some ideas!
[16]
Custom Scouting America Bolos & Neckerchief Slides
... slides are fashioned out of durable die-struck metal. Custom options include a variety of enamel, plating, and processes. Neckerchief Slide Pricelist. 50, 100 ...
[17]
https://www.stadriemblems.com/products/bolos-neckerchief-slides/
[18]
Round Neckerchief Slide or Woggle by jbrown123 - Thingiverse
Feb 21, 2019 · It is a sphere with a vertical hole (for the neckerchief) and 3 holes in the side at 120 degree rotations. Between the holes, there is room for ...
[19]
The Gilwell Woggle - International Guild of Knot Tyers - Surrey Branch
WD "Bill" Shankley created this object by request of BP c1920. He called it a "Woggle". Donated to the Scout Heritage Centre by Rolf Shankley, Bill's son, in ...
[20]
History of the Wood badge - Scouts
Gilwell Park, on the edge of Epping Forest, was found and purchased. The site was big enough to offer camping facilities for Scouts as well as hosting a ...
[21]
[PDF] The History of the Gilwell Scarf and Wood Beads - Scouts Victoria
Apr 28, 2021 · In 1920 or 1921 the scarf, which had always been tied with a knot, was held together with a scarf slide. So far as is known the name 'woggle' ...
[22]
History | Wood Badge C6-165-16 - WordPress.com
The Wood Badge Lord Robert Baden-Powell conducted the first training program for Scoutmasters at Gilwell Park in England, in 1919.Missing: 1926 endorsement<|control11|><|separator|>
[23]
Unravelling the Fascinating History of the Scout Woggle
Jan 20, 2024 · Different countries and regions developed their unique styles of woggles, often incorporating local materials and cultural influences.
[24]
The Great "Toggle" or "Woggle" Debate: Untangling the Scouts ...
Feb 16, 2024 · The term, derived from “woggling,” aptly described the ring's movement around the neckerchief. However, not all countries embraced “woggle.” In ...
[25]
All about neckerchiefs | Girlguiding
Sep 15, 2021 · A small part is left that hangs down at the back and it's fastened with a friendship knot, slide or a woggle. Traditionally, a woven badge with ...
[26]
Swapping Badges and Souvenirs - 24th World Scout Jamboree
Many people bring things to jamborees to trade and swap: patches, badges, woggles, neckerchiefs, and other keepsakes.
[27]
Custom Scout Woggle
9–17 day deliveryDesign your own laser engraved leather woggle! Perfect for scouts, leaders, or anyone who wants a personal touch.
[28]
Chapter 10: Uniform, badges and emblems | Policy, Organisation ...
This chapter covers matters concerning uniform, badges and emblems. Some individual National events may have specific additional requirements which they ...
[29]
Cub Scout Uniform
Neckerchief Slide: Official Scouts BSA slide with Scouting America emblem. Adventures Colors: The Adventure Colors are worn on the right sleeve to display the ...
[30]
[PDF] SPECIAL REGULATIONS - Scouting America
No other pins may be worn on official headgear of the BSA. Cub Scout leader headgear is optional. If it is worn, pack leaders wear the olive visor cap.Missing: woggle | Show results with:woggle
[31]
The Friendship Knot: How to Secure Your Neckerchief Without a Slide
The best way to teach more Scouts to tie this knot, is to demonstrate and teach it to a friend. Like a friendship, this knot binds two separate pieces together.
[32]
Need Neckerchief / slider Tip - SCOUTER Forum
Jan 28, 2010 · Rubberband works, also a safety pin. best slide I've found to work is a homemade Turk's Head Knot, aka woggle. becasue I make mine small, they ...