Noggles: The Iconic Glasses of Nouns DAO
What makes a Noun instantly recognizable? It’s the Noggles—those bold, pixelated glasses that every Noun proudly wears. Noggles have become the unmistakable symbol of Nouns DAO, representing creativity, community, and a playful spirit that sets this project apart.
Since the first Noun was auctioned, Noggles have grown into a cultural icon. These distinctive glasses have appeared not only in digital art but also at real-world landmarks and events, from the bustling Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to a projection on the Eiffel Tower, and even a Super Bowl commercial. But how did Noggles come to be? Let’s explore their origins and their role in making Nouns DAO a global phenomenon.
What Are Noggles?
Noggles are the signature pixelated glasses worn by every Noun. Designed as a bold and unique accessory, they give Nouns their distinctive look and unify the entire collection.
But Noggles are more than just glasses—they’re a defining part of the visual identity of Nouns DAO, symbolizing the creativity and collaboration that make this community so special.
The Birth of Noggles
Noggles originated from the early design concepts of Nouns, first appearing in an early iteration of the project’s branding. The first published instance of the Nouns glasses, known as Protonoun, introduced the bold, blocky style that quickly became the defining feature of the collection.
The Nounders, the founding team of Nouns DAO, envisioned Noggles as a simple yet iconic design feature to unify all Noun NFTs. Their retro aesthetic and bold style gave the collection its charm and helped establish Nouns as a memorable and cohesive brand.
As the project grew, so did the significance of Noggles. What began as a small accessory quickly evolved into a cornerstone of the Nouns brand, appearing in public art, merchandise, and even creative adaptations like ASCII art.
How Did Noggles Get Their Name?
The name “Noggles”—a clever blend of “Nouns” and “goggles”—was coined during a January 1, 2022, discussion in the Nouns DAO Discord. Community member Emma, also known as "nouns gal," led the effort to name the glasses, and “Noggles” was embraced as the perfect fit for the project’s playful and collaborative nature. This community-driven naming process perfectly reflects the decentralized ethos of Nouns DAO.
ASCII Noggles
As the Nouns community expanded, members sought new ways to share the Noggles symbol. This led to the creation of ASCII Noggles, a text-based version of the glasses that could be used anywhere, even in environments where images weren’t supported. Here’s how the ASCII Noggles look:
⌐◨-◨
Matt Downey, a Nouns community member, first shared ASCII Noggles in a tweet. This simple adaptation allowed Noggles to spread across social media, codebases, and forums, broadening the reach of the Nouns brand. To recognize his contribution, Nouns DAO gifted Matt Noun 301.
Noggles as a Cultural Symbol
Noggles have evolved far beyond their original role as an accessory, becoming a cultural icon for the Nouns ecosystem:
- Public Appearances: Noggles have been featured in high-profile events like the Rose Parade, Bud Light Super Bowl commercial, and public installations like the Noggles at Rusutsu Ski Resort.
- Merchandise: Real-world Noggles and apparel bring the playful spirit of Nouns DAO into fans’ daily lives.
- Collaborations: Nouns partnered with Pudgy Penguins to create a unique collectible, combining the iconic Noggles with the playful charm of Pudgy Penguins.
- Nounish Communities: Spin-off projects like Lil Nouns (16x16 pixel Nouns) and Gnars (a Nounish extreme sports community) proudly feature Noggles in their designs.
Join the Nouns DAO
Noggles are more than just pixelated glasses—they’re a symbol of creativity, collaboration, and bold ideas at the heart of Nouns DAO. Whether you’re an artist, collector, builder, or simply curious, there’s a place for you in the Nouns ecosystem.
