The word “toque” has a long and storied past. The word Toque is Arabic for “Round” and “Taqia” for “Hat” originally for something “Round” that has an opening.
Rather like a hat. Literally it is a type of hat with a narrow brim or no brim at all.

In France, a toque is a toque blanche, and worn by chefs. Variously the word has also signified the headgear worn by French magistrates and German
judges. In black velvet, it also stands for a mortar board. It has been adorned with feathers to denote status, and recently it has been a helmet worn in equestrian sports.

Our toque (or tuque if you prefer), appeared in popular culture in 1870. In Canada, the current meaning of the word is a knitted winter hat but these hats are known
in other English-speaking countries by a variety of names, including beanie, watch cap or stocking cap.

Whatever you call it, this toque is meant to keep your head warm. And as your mom always said, “Keep your head warm and the rest of you will be too!”