Words we love: Noodle as in ‘having a noodle’

When Red Setter asked me to think of a word I love, I sat down with a cup of tea, letting my mind wander considering all sorts of great words, old and new. I realised that I was ‘having a noodle’ about it. Whilst not a common phrase, ‘having a noodle’ has been floating around lately in the office, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favourite expressions.

The phrase likely comes from the idea of ‘noodling’ – that is, thinking something over in an unhurried, exploratory way. Like the twisting shapes of noodles, when you’re ‘having a noodle’, your thoughts aren’t necessarily linear, but they’re flowing, curving, and connecting in ways that might lead to unexpected and delightful conclusions.

It’s a great way to describe the process of brainstorming, especially when you're not looking for immediate answers, but instead exploring ideas with curiosity. This isn’t the serious, formal type of brainstorming where you have to come up with perfect solutions on the spot. It’s more about letting your mind wander freely, considering different angles, and seeing where your thoughts take you.

I’ve always loved the idea that some of our best solutions don’t come from sitting in front of a whiteboard with a deadline looming, but instead, sneak up on us while we’re doing something ordinary — like going for a stroll. You’re not actively trying to think of the solution, and then bam! The answer just pops into your head.

Some of my best ideas seem to pop up when I’m doing something else—making a cup of tea, going for a walk, or just stepping away from my desk for a few minutes. It’s amazing how often a fresh perspective or creative spark emerges when you’re not actively trying to force it. There’s something about giving your brain the space to wander that allows moments of clarity to sneak in.

When Team Toucan (as our team is called internally!) or the media leads are catching up on recent trends we’ve seen in the media or debriefing on new strategies, noodling over it feels lighter and more fun than saying, “Let’s brainstorm.” There’s less pressure, and it gives permission to think creatively without the need to land on a final decision right away.

The beauty of having a noodle is that it applies to all sorts of creative and problem-solving contexts; allowing yourself to noodle over things can open up fresh perspectives.

So, if you haven’t already, give ‘having a noodle’ a try. Next time you’re feeling stuck or want to explore new ideas, embrace the meandering thought process. You never know what creative solutions might emerge from a little bit of noodling (or a well-timed cup of tea)!