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Pom-Pon: A "prop" of sorts used in the sport of Cheerleading for a variety of reasons including attracting the attention of a crowd, accentuating movements, distracting an opposing team (though in very limited fashion and never in an unsportsmanlike manner), and adding an element of sparkle to a cheer, chant or cheer/dance routine, especially at Cheer competitions. Most often, Pom-pons are used in pairs (one for each hand) by each Cheerleader, but this may vary based on the particular requirements and choreography of a routine or cheer.

While much of popular culture, including movies, non-cheer-specialized entertainment sources and general laypeople will use and have for a very long time used the term "pom-pom," this term is not correct and experienced cheerleaders, coaches, cheer equipment suppliers and manufacturers and others involved in the sport almost universally use the proper term "Pom-pon" and thus Pom-pons is seen in the majority of professional sources. Often, Pom-pons are referred to simply as "Poms."

Pom-pons come in a variety of shapes, styles, colors, color combinations and sizes. Of particular note is the emerging variation in handles used by many manufacturers. Metallic (shiny) Poms have become very popular in recent years, as have cheaper look-alike poms that are often given to spectators at games. (Not to say "cheaper" in a negative fashion - they are a cost-effective way to equip fans, which in turn assists cheerleaders in leading crowds.) Pom-pons are also used sometimes in the enjoyment and learning of small children, as they like things that shine, and the fact that pom-pons are made of strings also renders them as a choking hazard.

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