So Now You Know

Twinkies were invented in 1930 by James A. Dewar, a plant manager at Continental Baking Company (Hostess’ parent company). Dewar was having trouble coming up with a name until he drove past a billboard for the Twinkle Toes Shoes factory in St. Louis. A friend suggested the name “Twinkle Fingers” for the snack, and Dewar shortened it to Twinkies.
Related BBB entry