Feb 11 • 04:25 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The Sharpie phenomenon, how a marker went from autograph culture in the nineties to being in every kitchen

The Sharpie has evolved from a signature tool in the 1990s to a ubiquitous presence in kitchens worldwide, valued for its functionality.

The Sharpie marker, first introduced in 1964, has remarkably transitioned from a tool primarily associated with the culture of autographs in the 1990s to an essential item found in kitchens globally. Unlike other markers that faded or blurred, the Sharpie offered permanence, making it suitable for various surfaces like plastic, metal, and glass, cementing its utility in both industrial and domestic settings.

Its presence in kitchens has become so widespread that it is now difficult to imagine modern culinary spaces without this simple tool. Chefs and home cooks alike have integrated Sharpies into their routines, using them for labeling purposes and organizing ingredients. This shift reflects not only the practicality of the marker but also a cultural acceptance of its role in enhancing kitchen efficiency and communication.

The phenomenon of the Sharpie underscores how a product, initially designed for a different context, can evolve and find necessity in everyday life. As kitchen practices modernize, the Sharpie's durability and versatility ensure its continued relevance, highlighting a broader trend of functional objects forming essential parts of home and professional environments.

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