Inducted 2025
Slime was created as an extension of an established chemical process. When sodium tetraborate (borax) combines with guar gum or polymers, it turns into a gelatinous substance that can be stretched, squeezed, broken apart, and molded back together like magic.
In 1976, Mattel introduced Slime—a neon green jiggly substance sold in small plastic trashcans—but it did have some similar precursors. Ten years prior, Wham-O introduced Super Stuff, a pink, moldable material that could be stretched, popped, and squeezed just like slime. While Super Stuff was popular, Mattel’s Slime flew off the toy shelves and sparked dozens of copycats.
Slime itself was so popular that it became a major component of other playthings. Hordak’s Horde Slime Pit from Masters of the Universe used slime as a play accessory to capture victims. Kenner’s line of Ghostbuster toys provided ample opportunities to incorporate slime known as Ecto-plazm. For the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line of toys, slime became Retromutagen Ooze, the chemical “stuff” that created the heroes and several of their villainous foes. Slime served as a gooey accessory to Galoob Toys’ Bad Eggz Bunch and poured out of the mouth of Fungus the Bogeyman from Acamas Toys. Slime also enjoyed guest-star treatment on You Can’t Do That on Television and Double Dare.
A new generation of slime enthusiasts have embraced the toy beyond its green, gross out lineages. Slime can be glitter-bombed, shaped like cupcakes, or filled with hidden miniature toys. Many modern slimes are perfumed, pretty, and have textures ranging from smooth to sticky to crunchy. Slime is also accessible to a large audience. Instagram users post a variety of DIY slime recipes and ASMR content with fancy slimes.
Though slime sometimes carries icky associations with slugs and swamps—all part of the fun for part of its audience—the toy offers meaningful play. Making slime turns into impromptu chemistry lessons. The tactile experience of playing with slime offers stress relief and strengthens motor skills. Slime encourages messy, creative fun.