Cal Gaunt
Lego, the iconic plastic construction toy that has graced countless children’s Christmas wishlists, has long been a staple of playrooms around the world – yet people are only just realising what the word really means.
In the heart of Billund, Denmark, a visionary carpenter named Ole Kirk Kristiansen embarked on a journey in 1932, crafting toy bricks from wood and igniting creativity in young minds.
Little did he know that his humble wooden creations would pave the way for one of the most successful game brands in history.
It wasn’t until four years later that he coined the name ‘Lego’, unaware of the linguistic fluke that lay within this simple name.
And now, the meaning of the name behind the iconic toy brand has left the internet shocked.
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Astonished Reddit users have shared their newfound awareness of the name’s significance.
One wrote: “I didn’t know that being a new Lego collector.”
Another user added: “I had no idea about that.”
Lego’s journey took a pivotal turn in the late 1940s and early 1950s when Ole Kirk Kristiansen urged his son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, to transition from wooden to plastic bricks.
He challenged his son’s doubt, envisioning global success for their innovative creations.
The transition to plastic marked the birth of ‘Automatic Binding Bricks’, which would eventually evolve into the universally recognised Lego.
A fan of the new mission, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen said in the mid-1950s: “Our idea has been to create a toy that prepares the child for life – appealing to their imagination and developing the creative urge and joy of creation that are the driving forces in every human being.”
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This philosophy found its manifestation in the patented coupling principle introduced in 1958, granting Lego enthusiasts boundless possibilities in construction.
Today, Lego stands as a global phenomenon, available in over 130 countries and employing around 23,000 individuals.
With subsidiaries spanning continents, the legacy of Ole Kirk Kristiansen has been faithfully carried on through generations.
Presently, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, a grandchild of the founder, holds the reins of this cherished brand.
As Lego commemorates ’90 years of play’ in 2022, Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, the chairman of the Lego Group, reflected on their enduring commitment to enriching lives through play.
He said: “When my great-grandfather founded the company 90 years ago, he recognised that play could change the lives of children – it brings families together and helps children develop skills that can enable them to reach their full potential.
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“He only had a small workshop, but he had big ambitions to ensure as many children as possible could experience the benefits that play brings.
“Whether 1932, 2022 or on our 100th Anniversary in 2032, we have and will always strive to continue Ole’s legacy by helping all families, wherever they are in the world, to play well.”
And as for the meaning behind the name?
A statement from Lego reads: “Combining the two Danish words ‘Leg Godt’ meaning ‘Play Well’, Ole Kirk Kristiansen creates the Lego name for his company – unaware that this word in Latin means ‘I put together’.
“He also considers the alternative LEGIO (legions) but in the end, he opts for the name that embodies high-quality play and commitment towards children’s development through play.”
One Redditor explains: “I actually learned that from a Danish au pair while growing up.
“She, however, said it meant play good. Can’t blame her for the grammatically incorrect translation though.”
In the grand tapestry of play, Lego continues to weave connections, inspire imagination, and embody the spirit of ‘Leg Godt’.
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