Video: Jersey Shore's Snooki: How I Got My Nickname

Entertainment June 9, 2010 AT 4:20PM By UsWeekly Staff

Ever wonder how Jersey Shore's Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi got her infamous nickname?

"I was at a middle school dance and I was the first one to kiss a boy out of my friends," the 21-year-old tanning fanatic told Jay Leno Tuesday night. "You know Save The Last Dance, the movie? Snooki was the DJ. So the Snooki character was very funny, very outgoing, and my friends just started calling me Snooki. It's stuck ever since!"

PHOTOS: See what Snooki and the gang wore at the MTV Movie Awards

The pint-sized reality star also admitted that despite her show's raunchy antics, her parents are proud of what she's accomplished -- even though her mom wishes she'd tone it down.

"My Dad is my biggest fan," Polizzi said. "My mom is like, 'What the hell are you doing? I didn't raise you like that! Why are you drinking? Why are you kissing all these boys? Why are you partying?' But, you know, they're proud of me."

PHOTOS: Check out these Jersey inspired looks

The second season of Jersey Shore premieres July 29 on MTV.

Watch the video now (above)!

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June 24, 2010 - 8:33pm Annmarie
She is NOT Italian!!!!
June 18, 2010 - 11:42am americanmom
a little jealousy here? Hmmm? Snookie deserves what ever she gets maybe some of you have no ambition and just like to criticize those who do.
June 10, 2010 - 8:45pm Shelly! ^i^
That tells you what low standards her parents have and why she turned out to be the hellion that she is! She's a chip off the old block! The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree! ^i^
June 10, 2010 - 4:41pm Regulator
Hmmm, you learn something new every day. I always thought "snooki" was the Italian word for orange garbage bag.
June 10, 2010 - 1:39pm Annoymous
She is ridiculous. If I were her parents I would totally ground her for life and tell her to stop partying. Also, Snooki bad news but you haven't accomplished anything, just a bad hair do and being paid to party. What a role model!!!
June 10, 2010 - 11:42am Sharon McKeeman Himes
Snooki must be loving some bacon. She is looking like a side of salt pork. Go away Nicole!
June 10, 2010 - 9:18am Liza
Who cares you are not attractive and have no class.
June 10, 2010 - 12:32am Loser.
SNOOKI GO AWAY FAR AWAY SICK OF YOU DUMMY!
June 10, 2010 - 12:30am ***Opps***
Who gives a flying "f" how she got her name she's fat and all beat up the wack hair needs to go and her ass to ....
June 10, 2010 - 12:11am Barbie
I love Snookie! i especially love Save the Last Dance! thats one of my favorite movies ever! Lovin Jersey Shore!!
June 09, 2010 - 11:28pm Trish
Love me some Snookie!!!
June 09, 2010 - 6:44pm abby
ugh. she is disgusting.
June 09, 2010 - 5:45pm Patty
Oink Oink
June 09, 2010 - 5:10pm MIA
I absolutely LOVE her and its nice to see a woman with some meat on her bones.