A rolling toy or firework consisting of a cylindrical container that spins or unwinds, creating motion or light effects; another name for a yo-yo.
From Bandalur (now Bangalore), India, where such toys were traditionally manufactured and exported. The English word emerged in the 18th century as a curiosity imported from India.
The bandalore was a huge fad in 18th-century London — wealthy children were obsessed with this 'Indian toy,' not realizing they were playing with something that would eventually evolve into the modern yo-yo!
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