Newcomers to Boston’s many unusual words and phrases are often perplexed about their origins. Those indulging in ice cream in the city might sometimes wish that they had brought along a personal cryptanalyst, a number 2 pencil and Advil.

When ordering, for example, a large Green Monstah sundae they must learn to expect the final topping to be Jimmies, aka, chocolate sprinkles. This beloved Bostonian word has its origins back in the 1940s during a young boy’s battle against cancer and a feature on the radio.

Truth or Consequences, hosted by Ralph Edwards, was a popular game show in which contestants had to answer questions, with an incorrect response resulting in an embarrassing task to complete. On May 22, 1948, a 12-year-old boy suffering from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and with the codename “Jimmy” to protect his identity, went on the show.

The segment, about nine minutes long, began with a brief explanation of Jimmy’s diagnosis and noted that he, at the time, had no clue why he was in a hospital bed in Boston. What Jimmy knew, however, was that he loved the Boston Braves.

During the show, Edwards asked the name of the Braves’ primary catcher. Jimmy quickly answered, “Phil Masi!” Suddenly, as if summoned by Jimmy himself, Phil Masi was there at Jimmy’s bedside.

Soon, Jimmy’s room was filled with Boston Braves, including manager Billy Southworth, who presented him with autographed attire and a ticket for the next Braves game with the best seat in the house, right behind home plate.

After saying their farewells, Edwards’s demeanor changed from lighthearted to serious. He said that if listeners contributed a total of $20,000 for Jimmy’s treatment, the boy would get his own TV set to watch the Braves from his hospital bed. “This isn’t a contest where you win anything, folks. This is our chance to help little boys and girls such as Jimmy win a greater prize, the prize of life,” Edwards said, before continuing onto the next segment.

Jimmy’s story touched the hearts of Bostonians, and a state-wide effort to support him took off, spawning what became known as the Jimmy Fund. One well known benefactor was Edward Brigham, owner of Brigham’s Ice Cream, which for many years included franchised restaurants. Customers who asked for chocolate sprinkles on their ice cream were charged an extra penny, which was donated directly to the Jimmy Fund.

Hence, “Jimmies,” the nickname for chocolate sprinkles, was born. Jimmies represent Boston’s compassion and sense of community, which very much includes a communal desire to help others.

Jimmy’s story had a happy ending. The Boston Braves won the National League pennant that year, the $20,000 goal was easily reached, and Jimmy, who was publicly revealed to be Einar Gustafson in 1998, lived until 65. He died in 2001. Let’s hope that many will think of his story when they order a frozen treat sprinkled with Jimmies.