[3] The name Bubble O'Bill is form of wordplay based on Old West figure Buffalo Bill, the ice cream resembles a cowboy, distinctive for having a gumball in place of a nose.

While its packaging depicts the Bubble O'Bill character with a pink nose, and most marketing shows the product with a green gumball,[4] a variety of colours can be found.

The Bubble O'Bill was first introduced into the US market in 1985 by New Jersey company Good Humor,[5] but achieved particular success in Australia, where it continues to be available, popular for its unique shape and bubblegum nose.

For a period of time, a similar product depicting popular television character Agro with a bubblegum nose was produced by Pauls.

[6] Australian musical comedy trio Tripod have performed a song suggesting Bubble O'Bill's possible hero status.