12 Toys of Christmas: 9 Nerfs Launching

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Every Christmas, my nicely wrapped gifts were filled with the latest and greatest Nerf guns; after all their slogan was “It’s NERF or nothing!” My childhood was filled with NERF balls zooming by my head as I rolled behind an object avoiding my archenemy’s (usually my best friend) vicious strike from his blaster. Okay so it was only a spongy ball that couldn’t hurt a fly, but still you get six of those things flying your direction, tell me you wouldn’t jump for your life. I digress.

Something that never crossed my mind as I was jolting to the ground while launching my NERF reactor gun into space was where did the name “NERF” come from? It turns out the solid, spongy cellular material (produced by the chemical reaction of polyester resin reacting with a compound while CO2 is simultaneously released by another reaction creating gas in open pockets) doesn’t have a clear meaning. Some say it’s an acronym for “non=expanding recreational foam” but nothing has been confirmed.


In 1969, Parker Brothers established NERF with the four-inch ball, originally used for a safe way to play volleyball indoors. In the 70’s NERF was deemed the “world’s first official indoor ball.” But the fun didn’t begin until Hasbro acquired the company in 1991. From there, NERF started to develop a wide range of sports balls, blasters with darts and balls, and now video games. They recently developed a game for the Wii called “N-Strike.” Adapting an idea that, in my fond memories, was so concrete with playing outside and not on screen has been difficult for this guy. Does anybody have memories of getting hit in the face by this spongy material?

By: Nick Irwin