Polka dots are derived from Old English 'dott' meaning 'speck.' In the 1840s, the polka was sweeping Europe and America. It was the latest dance craze, like the Charleston of the 1920s. The manufacturers began naming everything 'polka' to cash in on the trend. Everything from polka curtain bands, polka gauze, polka hats and many other products with the 'polka' name hit the market in the 1840s. In 1926, Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit and soon after, Disney introduced its cartoon character Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and adorable matching bow.