candy striper

See also: candystriper

English

Etymology

1944 US, due to red and white-striped jumpers worn by hospital volunteers, which resembled stick candy, originally a group of high school girls who volunteered as hospital workers at East Orange General Hospital.

Noun

candy striper (plural candy stripers)

  1. (US) A volunteer worker in a hospital or hospice.
  2. (US) One who cheers others up with their youthful exuberance.
    The entire convalescent home came to life as soon as the candy striper Cindy arrived.
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