Why is the Sidewinder missile so named?

Apparently in its early testing it tended to 'cork screw' in flight leaving a smoke trail that reminded the test staff at the missile testing range of the path left by the snake.

What is more interesting is the stabilising system it uses.
Its Infra Red detection system uses a rotating mirror to determine both the heading and relative velocity of its target but for this to work it has to kept stable in roll.

This is achieved by a spinning disc mounted at the end of each of the 4 fins that are rotated at high speed by the air stream. They act as gyroscopes and their precession forces resist any tendency for the missile to roll.
Now there's a thought!
It is not surprising the Sidewinder is not only the most numerous air to air missile but also the cheapest.

First used very effectively in Vietnam but one missile buried itself in a Mig17 and did not explode and the pilot (Russian) duly flew back with it and landed safely.
Promptly copied (code name Atoll) apparently so exactly that in 1972 the Finnish Air Force found the Atolls on their Mig 21s were fully interchangeable with the original Sidewinders fitted to their Saab Drakens!

I thought it was named "Sidewinder" because it was clockwork. .... Ok, I'm in a silly mood, delete me please.