Brownie points

While trying to explain what “brownie points” are to a German colleague, I decided to Google the term to be sure I was correct. I was, in fact, incorrect. I was also surprised to find a Wikipedia entry on the subject. Fascinating (said in a Spock-like voice).

Brownie points in modern (21st century) usage are a hypothetical social currency, which can be accrued by doing good deeds or earning favour in the eyes of another, often one’s superior. The origin of the term is from the steam railroading era in North America. ‘Brownie points,’ also referred to as ‘Cookie Brownie points’, or ‘brownies’ for short, describes general demerits earned by causing unsafe conditions, hazards to the public, or potential damage to equipment. Earn enough, and the individual is shown the door. Railroad managements had differing numbers of ‘brownies’ awarded for certain behaviors, along with concurrently different amounts required for dismissal, and differing lengths of time for their expiration or forgiveness.