Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Yoshiyuki]

Could anyone tell me an English rhyme you use when you choose someone as "it" especially among kids? I can't remember it though I have heard it many times. I'd appreciate it if you would give it to me in words.
Thank you. Yoshiyuki

[obelix]

eenie, meenie, my knee moe,
Catch a black man by his toe,
If he hollers, let him go,
eenie, meenie, my knee, moe.

Originally, the rhyme used the word "n i g g e r" which is now considered pejorative, instead of "black man."

Also,

One potato, two potato, three potato, four,
Five potato, six potato, seven potato, more.

[advoca]

In Britain the kids often use:

An 'appoth of chips
To grease your lips
And out goes you!


This is sent around everyone in the circle playing the game and where the couning stops, that person is OUT. The last one who is not counted out is "IT"

(An 'apporth is vernacular for a Half-penny's worth, shortened to happorth or 'apporth. It is pronounced aye puth.

[Yoshiyuki]

Hi,advoca.
Thanks for your information on a rhyme. A British friend of mine told me that she says "a tigger" instead of "a *beep*" or "a black man". Is it particular to Britain or not? I guess there should be regional versions of the same rhyme. What else are there?
Thank you. Yoshiyuki.

[LucentShade]

I always heard "tiger" when I was a kid. . .

[Bob S.]

[cgage]

I have heard a French version of this. I dont remember anything except their is a term, "la galline, la galline". A galline is a hen, I think. Anyone know this?

[advoca]