skip-hop Rhymes
131 traditional skipping rhymes for the playground, with how to play each one, where it comes from, and rhymes sent in by children.
Children have chanted skipping rhymes in playgrounds for well over a hundred years. Nobody wrote them: they were made up, passed on and changed by children themselves. This is skip-hop's collection of 131 skipping rhymes: the favourites from our old website, the rhymes children have sent in to us since 2010, and 62 rhymes from Victorian and Edwardian books, copied exactly as they were printed in 1898 and 1916. Every rhyme is kept exactly as children sang it, rude ones included.
Turn steadilyTwo turners swing a long rope in a steady rhythm and chant with the skipper.
Counting rhymesThe skipper keeps jumping while everyone counts. The number they reach before they miss is their score.
Pepper!When a rhyme says "pepper", the turners go as fast as they can.
Everyone chantsThe queue chants too, so everyone is part of the game while they wait.
The oldest skipping rhymes
A rhyme can be much older than the first record of children skipping to it. These are the earliest records we know of.
- 550–577 AD · ChinaThe oldest record of children chanting while they jump a rope. Two 7th-century Chinese histories describe children of the Northern Qi dynasty holding a cord in both hands, sweeping it along the ground and jumping while they sang. The children sang "Gāo mò!", "the end of Gao!", and the historians took it as a prophecy that the ruling Gao family would fall. Gāo Mò: the oldest skipping chant
- 1695 · England"A soldier and a sailor, a tinker and a tailor" are named together in William Congreve's play Love for Love. Children later skipped to the words. Tinker, Tailor
- 1881 · USAThe oldest dated skipping rhyme in English we have found. A newspaper story describes girls chanting "Pepper, salt, mustard, cider, vinegar" while the rope turns faster and faster. Pepper, Salt, Mustard, Cider, Vinegar
- 1888 · Washington, USAW. H. Babcock records girls using the skipping rope to tell their fortunes, crying "Silk, satin, velvet, calico, rags!" Silk, Satin, Velvet, Calico, Rags
- 1898 · London, Kent and SussexThe first collection of British skipping rhymes, gathered by Miss Chase for Alice Gomme's Traditional Games. Ipsey, Pipsey, Half Pound Tuppeny Rice and more.
- 1916 · LondonNorman Douglas writes down dozens of London girls' rope songs in London Street Games. Two in the Rope, Lady, Lady, Drop Your Purse and more.
- 1918 · worldwide"I had a little bird, its name was Enza" is remembered from playgrounds during the influenza pandemic. The history of skipping
- 2010 to todayChildren keep changing old rhymes and making new ones, and sending them in to skip-hop. Playground Hall of Fame
skip-hop top 10 skipping rhymes
Start here: the ten rhymes we have taught most in school playgrounds.
In and outc. 1920sTiny TimI had a little puppy
His name was Tiny Tim…CountingRobin HoodRobin Hood, Robin Hood dressed so good,
Got as many kisses as he could…Actionsafter 1902Teddy BearTeddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground…Call a friend inCountingJump With MeI like coffee, I like tea,
I like (person's name) to jump with me…CountingChantsOver The SeaWhen I was two I buckled my shoe,
Going over the sea…CountingIn and outBumper CarHad a little bumper car, number 48, went around the corner
and slams on the brakes…Pepper (fast)Birthday PlumApples, peaches, pears and plums
Tell me when your birthday comes…Actionsby 1927Three Six NineThree, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the street car line…CountingJohnny Got a SpankingDown by the river, down by the sea,
Johnny broke a bottle and blamed it on me…Double dutchActionsJack be NimbleJACK BE NIMBLE JACK BE QUICK
JACK JUMPED OVER THE CANDLE STICK…
His name was Tiny Tim…CountingRobin HoodRobin Hood, Robin Hood dressed so good,
Got as many kisses as he could…Actionsafter 1902Teddy BearTeddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground…Call a friend inCountingJump With MeI like coffee, I like tea,
I like (person's name) to jump with me…CountingChantsOver The SeaWhen I was two I buckled my shoe,
Going over the sea…CountingIn and outBumper CarHad a little bumper car, number 48, went around the corner
and slams on the brakes…Pepper (fast)Birthday PlumApples, peaches, pears and plums
Tell me when your birthday comes…Actionsby 1927Three Six NineThree, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the street car line…CountingJohnny Got a SpankingDown by the river, down by the sea,
Johnny broke a bottle and blamed it on me…Double dutchActionsJack be NimbleJACK BE NIMBLE JACK BE QUICK
JACK JUMPED OVER THE CANDLE STICK…
Find a rhyme
131 rhymes
Pepper (fast)Birthday PlumApples, peaches, pears and plums
Tell me when your birthday comes…CountingIn and outBumper CarHad a little bumper car, number 48, went around the corner
and slams on the brakes…Double dutchActionsJack be NimbleJACK BE NIMBLE JACK BE QUICK
JACK JUMPED OVER THE CANDLE STICK…CountingJohnny Got a SpankingDown by the river, down by the sea,
Johnny broke a bottle and blamed it on me…Call a friend inCountingJump With MeI like coffee, I like tea,
I like (person's name) to jump with me…CountingChantsOver The SeaWhen I was two I buckled my shoe,
Going over the sea…CountingRobin HoodRobin Hood, Robin Hood dressed so good,
Got as many kisses as he could…Actionsafter 1902Teddy BearTeddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground…Actionsby 1927Three Six NineThree, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the street car line…In and outc. 1920sTiny TimI had a little puppy
His name was Tiny Tim…Out goes youAcka Wacka Soda CrackaAcka wacka soda cracka
Acka wacka boo…Countingby 1904All Good Children go to HeavenOne, two, three, four, five, six, seven,
All good children go to heaven…In and outPepper (fast)by 1916All in togetherAll in together girls
Never mind the weather girls…In and outPrinted 1898All In, a Bottle of GinAll in, a bottle of gin,
All out, a bottle of stout…ChantsPrinted 1898Andy Pandy, Sugardy CandyAndy Pandy,
Sugardy candy…In and outby 1898Animal FairI went to the animal fair,
The birds and beasts were there…CountingFortune tellingPrinted 1916Appletree, Peartree, Plumtree PieAppletree, peartree, plumtree pie,
How many children before I die…Out goes youby 1904As I Was Walking by the LakeAs I was walking by the lake
I saw a little rattlesnake…ActionsPrinted 1916As I Was Walking Through the City (Spanish Lady)As I was walking through the City,
Half past eight o’clock at night…Out goes youBake a PuddingBake a pudding,
Bake a pie…AlphabetFortune tellingPrinted 1916Black-currant, Red-currant (Boys' Names)Black-currant--red-currant--raspberry tart:
Tell me the name of your sweetheart…Pepper (fast)ChantsBluebells, Cockle Shells (Easy Ivy Over)Blue bells, cockle shell Easy ivy over
Oh no, here comes Miss Blackwell…ActionsRudeafter c. 1930Bubble GumBubble gum, bubble gum, chew and blow.
Bubble gum, bubble gum, scrape your toe…ChantsRudeBug and a FleaA bug and a flea went out to sea
Upon a reel of cotton…CountingButcher ShopMother runs the butcher shop,
Father cuts the meat…Call a friend inIn and outPrinted 1916Callings In and Callings OutCallings in and callings out--
I call (Rosie) in…ChantsPrinted 1916Caroline PinkCaroline Pink, she fell down the sink,
She caught the Scarlet Fever…ActionsPrinted 1916Charlie, Arlie, Stole Some BarleyCharlie, Arlie, stole some barley,
Out of a baker’s shop…CountingCinderellaCinderella, dressed in yellow,
Went upstairs to kiss a fellow…CountingRudeCinderella's BogiesCinderella, dressed in bows,
Went upstairs to blow her nose…ActionsPepper (fast)by 1916Cobbler Mend my ShoeCobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe.
Have it done by half past two…ChantsPrinted 1916Cold Meat, Mutton PiesCold meat, mutton pies,
Tell me when your mother dies…CountingFortune tellingCount your ChildrenNow your married
You must be good…ActionsCowboy JoeCowboy Joe from Mexico,
Hands up, stick’em up…ChantsPrinted 1898Cups and SaucersCups and saucers,
Plates and dishes…ChantsPrinted 1916Dancing DollyDancing Dolly had no sense,
She bought a fiddle for eighteen pence…ChantsPrinted 1898Dancing Dolly (1898)Dancing Dolly had no sense,
For to fiddle for eighteenpence…Call a friend inPrinted 1916Down in the ValleyDown in the valley where the green grass grows,
Dear little (Lily) she grows like a rose…Out goes youRudeDown the Hole(name), (name) in the tub,
Mother forgot to put in the plug…ChantsRudeafter 1959Dream LoverDream lover, where did you go?
Upstairs by the toilet bowl…Out goes youDrip, DropDrip, drop, drip, drop
Down by the sea…ChantsRudePrinted 1916Eaper Weaper, Chimbley-sweeperEaper Weaper, chimbley-sweeper,
Had a wife but couldn’t keep her…In and outCountingPrinted 1898Every Morning at Eight O'ClockEvery morning at eight o'clock,
You all may hear the postman's knock…ChantsPrinted 1916Evie, Ivy, OverEvie, Ivy, over,
The kettle is boiling over…ChantsPrinted 1898Father, Give Me the KeyGirl skipping.--"Father, give me the key."
Father.--"Go to your mother."…Call a friend inPrinted 1916Goodbye (May)Goodbye (May), while you’re away,
Send a letter, love…ChantsPepper (fast)Gordon Brown Went to TownGordon Brown went to town
With his pants on upside down…In and outGranny's in the KitchenGranny's in the kitchen,
Doing some stitching…
Gāo mò…In and outc. 1960sHad a Little Austin in 1948Had a little Austin in 1948
drove it round the corner…
Penny on the can…ChantsPrinted 1898Half Pound Tuppeny RiceHalf pound tuppeny rice,
Half a pound of treacle…ActionsHigh KicksHey, (celebrity’s name).
How about a date…ChantsPrinted 1916I Am a Little Beggar-GirlI am a little beggar-girl,
My mother she is dead…ChantsPrinted 1916I Had a Dolly Dressed in GreenI had a dolly dressed in green,
I didn’t like her--I gave her to the Queen…CountingI Had a Little SisterI had a little sister,
Dressed in pink…Miss the ropeI Know a Little LadyI know a little lady, and her name is Miss.
She went around the corner to buy some fish…Countingafter 1908I Know a ScoutI know a scout
Who took me out…ChantsPrinted 1916I Went Down the LaneI went down the lane to buy a penny whistle,
A copper come by and pinch my penny whistle…ActionsChantsby 1916I Went Down TownI went down town I met miss Brown
miss brown brought a nicle so I bought a pickle…
That the boys won’t leave me alone…Fortune tellingCountingRudeI'm Off to Get You Done(name) I'm off to get you done
cause you went upstairs with (name, name until they stop jumping)…
I was in my kitchen…AlphabetFortune tellingPrinted 1898Ipsey, Pipsey, Tell Me TrueIpsey, Pipsey, tell me true
Who shall I be married to…ChantsRudeJulius CaesarJulius Caesar,
The Roman geezer…Miss the ropeJump and MissJump and miss, Jump and miss,
When i jump rope, I miss like this…Call a friend inRudeKiss the Bin ManI’d rather scrub the dishes,
I’d rather scrub the floor…Pepper (fast)Printed 1898Knife and Fork, Lay the ClothKnife and fork,
Lay the cloth…Fortune tellingPrinted 1916Lady, Lady on the Sea-shoreLady, lady on the sea-shore,
She has children one to four…ActionsPrinted 1898Lady, Lady, Drop Your HandkerchiefLady, lady, drop your handkerchief,
Lady, lady, pick it up…ActionsPrinted 1916Lady, Lady, Drop Your PurseLady, lady, drop your purse,
Lady, lady, pick it up…ChantsPrinted 1916Lay the Cloth, Knife and ForkLay the cloth, knife and fork,
Bring me up a leg of pork…Call a friend inRudePrinted 1916Light the Fire, BlacksmithLight the fire, blacksmith, show a pretty light,
In comes (Nellie), dressed in white…CountingLincolnLincoln, Lincoln,
I been thinking…ChantsPrinted 1916Little Mary AnneLittle Mary Anne who lives up stairs,
With high legged boots and a feather in her hat…Miss the ropeLittle Miss PinkyLittle Miss Pinky, dressed in blue,
Died last night at half past two…Out goes youPrinted 1916Look Upon the Mantle-pieceLook upon the mantle-piece,
There you’ll find a ball of grease…ActionsLords and LadiesLords and Ladies,
Children, too…Pepper (fast)Printed 1916Mabel, Mabel, Lay the TableMabel, Mabel,
Lay the table…Actionsby 1916Mademoiselle at the WellMademoiselle went to the well,
Combed her hair and brushed it well…ActionsIn and outMarco PoloMarco Polo went to France
To teach the ladies how to dance…Countingafter 1928Mickey MouseMickey Mouse
Built a house…ChantsFortune tellingRudeMillionaireI should worry, I should care
I should marry a millionaire…Out goes youPrinted 1916Monday Night, Band of HopeMonday night, Band of Hope,
Tuesday night, pull the rope…ChantsRudeMonkey on the BedTwo little monkeys
Jumping on the bed…Out goes youPrinted 1916Mother Got the Hooping CoughMother got the Hooping cough
Father got the gout…ChantsRudePrinted 1916Mother Made a Seedy CakeMother made a seedy cake,
Gave us all the belly ache…ChantsPrinted 1916Mrs. Brown Went to TownMrs. Brown went to town,
Riding on a pony…ChantsPrinted 1898My Mother SaidMy mother said
That the rope must go…CountingOld Miss BlakeOld Miss Blake baked a cake.
The cake was soggy…CountingPrinted 1916Old Mother MasonOld mother Mason--broke a basin:
What did it cost her? One penny, tuppence, etc…ActionsIn and outafter 1947One Little Man in a Flying SaucerOne little man in a flying saucer
Flew round the world one day…
Three, four, knock at the door…ActionsOver the Hills in MexicoOver the hills in Mexico,
where they do the splits, splits, splits…
Apples on the shelf…CountingPeas with HoneyI eat my peas with honey,
I’ve done it all my life…Out goes youPrinted 1916Penny on the WaterPenny on the water, tuppence on the sea,
Threepence on the railway--out goes she…Pepper (fast)Printed 1898Pepper, Salt, Mustard, Cider, VinegarPepper, salt, mustard, cider, vinegar…ChantsPrinted 1916Piggy on the RailwayPiggy on the railway, picking up the stones,
Up came an engine and broke Piggy’s bones…ChantsPrinted 1916Policeman, Policeman, Don't Touch MePoliceman, policeman, don’t touch me,
I have a wife and a family…CountingActionsby 1916Postman KnockingEarly in the morning at half past eight,
I heard the postman knocking at the gate…ChantsPrinted 1916Pounds, Shillings and PencePounds, shillings and pence,
The monkey jumped over the fence…CountingPowder BoxPowder box, powder box, powder your nose.
How many petals are in a rose…ChantsRudeQuick, the Dog's Been SickQuick, quick,
The dog’s been sick…ChantsPrinted 1916Rat a Tat TatRat a tat tat, who is that?
Only grandma’s pussy-cat…ActionsPepper (fast)Red Hot PepperPoliceman, policeman, stop that thief!
Make him jump without relief…AlphabetFortune tellingPrinted 1898Roses Red, Roses WhiteB-L-E-S-S-I-N-G.
Roses red, roses white…ChantsPrinted 1916Sally Go Round the MoonSally go round the moon, Sally,
Sally go round the sun…Actionsafter c. 1905Salome the DancerSalome was a dancer;
She danced for the king…Pepper (fast)Chantsby 1881Salt, Mustard, Vinegar, PepperSalt, mustard, vinegar, pepper,
French almond rock…ActionsCountingafter 1910Salute to the CaptainI’m a girl guide all dressed in blue,
Here are the actions I must do…Fortune tellingPrinted 1888Silk, Satin, Velvet, Calico, RagsSilk, satin, velvet, calico, rags…In and outSitting in the KitchenSitting in the kitchen,
Doing a bit of knitting…
But the night before…ChantsRudeStanding on the CornerI was standing on the corner,
Doing no harm…ChantsPrinted 1916Sweet, Sweet CarolineSweete, sweet Carroline,
Dipt her face in Terpentine…ChantsRudeafter 1932Tarzan's UnderwearTarzan, Tarzan, in the air,
Tarzan lost his underwear…AlphabetTeacher had a FitTeacher nearly had a fit
When I learned the alphabet…ChantsPrinted 1916The Animal ShowI went to the animal show, and what do you think I saw there?
The Elephant sneezed and fell on his knees…Actionsafter c. 1960The Boogie WoogieMy mother is a dancer,
Boy, can she twist…Fortune tellingCountingby 1695Tinker, TailorTinker, tailor, soldier, sailor,
Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief…In and outPrinted 1916Two in the RopeTwo in the rope, and two take end,
Both are sisters, both are friend…Pepper (fast)Printed 1898Up and Down the City WallUp and down the city wall,
Ha'penny loaf to feed us all…ChantsPrinted 1898Up and Down the City Wall (The Eagle)Up and down the city wall,
In and out "The Eagle,"…Fortune tellingPrinted 1898Up and Down the Ladder WallUp and down the ladder wall,
Ha'penny loaf to feed us all…Pepper (fast)Printed 1916Up the Ladder, Down the WallUp the ladder, down the wall,
Ha’penny loaf to feed us all…Pepper (fast)Printed 1916What O She BumpsWhat O she bumps,
She skips and she jumps…ChantsPrinted 1898When I Was Young and AbleWhen I was young and able,
I sat upon the table…ChantsPrinted 1916Who's in the Well?Who’s in the well?
Only the pussy-cat…ActionsRudeWhoops (Marmalade)(name) drank some marmalade,
(name) drank some pop…ActionsRudeWhoops 2 (Pickle)(name) ate a pickle,
(name) ate some pie…
Tell me when your birthday comes…CountingIn and outBumper CarHad a little bumper car, number 48, went around the corner
and slams on the brakes…Double dutchActionsJack be NimbleJACK BE NIMBLE JACK BE QUICK
JACK JUMPED OVER THE CANDLE STICK…CountingJohnny Got a SpankingDown by the river, down by the sea,
Johnny broke a bottle and blamed it on me…Call a friend inCountingJump With MeI like coffee, I like tea,
I like (person's name) to jump with me…CountingChantsOver The SeaWhen I was two I buckled my shoe,
Going over the sea…CountingRobin HoodRobin Hood, Robin Hood dressed so good,
Got as many kisses as he could…Actionsafter 1902Teddy BearTeddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground…Actionsby 1927Three Six NineThree, six, nine, the goose drank wine,
The monkey chewed tobacco on the street car line…In and outc. 1920sTiny TimI had a little puppy
His name was Tiny Tim…Out goes youAcka Wacka Soda CrackaAcka wacka soda cracka
Acka wacka boo…Countingby 1904All Good Children go to HeavenOne, two, three, four, five, six, seven,
All good children go to heaven…In and outPepper (fast)by 1916All in togetherAll in together girls
Never mind the weather girls…In and outPrinted 1898All In, a Bottle of GinAll in, a bottle of gin,
All out, a bottle of stout…ChantsPrinted 1898Andy Pandy, Sugardy CandyAndy Pandy,
Sugardy candy…In and outby 1898Animal FairI went to the animal fair,
The birds and beasts were there…CountingFortune tellingPrinted 1916Appletree, Peartree, Plumtree PieAppletree, peartree, plumtree pie,
How many children before I die…Out goes youby 1904As I Was Walking by the LakeAs I was walking by the lake
I saw a little rattlesnake…ActionsPrinted 1916As I Was Walking Through the City (Spanish Lady)As I was walking through the City,
Half past eight o’clock at night…Out goes youBake a PuddingBake a pudding,
Bake a pie…AlphabetFortune tellingPrinted 1916Black-currant, Red-currant (Boys' Names)Black-currant--red-currant--raspberry tart:
Tell me the name of your sweetheart…Pepper (fast)ChantsBluebells, Cockle Shells (Easy Ivy Over)Blue bells, cockle shell Easy ivy over
Oh no, here comes Miss Blackwell…ActionsRudeafter c. 1930Bubble GumBubble gum, bubble gum, chew and blow.
Bubble gum, bubble gum, scrape your toe…ChantsRudeBug and a FleaA bug and a flea went out to sea
Upon a reel of cotton…CountingButcher ShopMother runs the butcher shop,
Father cuts the meat…Call a friend inIn and outPrinted 1916Callings In and Callings OutCallings in and callings out--
I call (Rosie) in…ChantsPrinted 1916Caroline PinkCaroline Pink, she fell down the sink,
She caught the Scarlet Fever…ActionsPrinted 1916Charlie, Arlie, Stole Some BarleyCharlie, Arlie, stole some barley,
Out of a baker’s shop…CountingCinderellaCinderella, dressed in yellow,
Went upstairs to kiss a fellow…CountingRudeCinderella's BogiesCinderella, dressed in bows,
Went upstairs to blow her nose…ActionsPepper (fast)by 1916Cobbler Mend my ShoeCobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe.
Have it done by half past two…ChantsPrinted 1916Cold Meat, Mutton PiesCold meat, mutton pies,
Tell me when your mother dies…CountingFortune tellingCount your ChildrenNow your married
You must be good…ActionsCowboy JoeCowboy Joe from Mexico,
Hands up, stick’em up…ChantsPrinted 1898Cups and SaucersCups and saucers,
Plates and dishes…ChantsPrinted 1916Dancing DollyDancing Dolly had no sense,
She bought a fiddle for eighteen pence…ChantsPrinted 1898Dancing Dolly (1898)Dancing Dolly had no sense,
For to fiddle for eighteenpence…Call a friend inPrinted 1916Down in the ValleyDown in the valley where the green grass grows,
Dear little (Lily) she grows like a rose…Out goes youRudeDown the Hole(name), (name) in the tub,
Mother forgot to put in the plug…ChantsRudeafter 1959Dream LoverDream lover, where did you go?
Upstairs by the toilet bowl…Out goes youDrip, DropDrip, drop, drip, drop
Down by the sea…ChantsRudePrinted 1916Eaper Weaper, Chimbley-sweeperEaper Weaper, chimbley-sweeper,
Had a wife but couldn’t keep her…In and outCountingPrinted 1898Every Morning at Eight O'ClockEvery morning at eight o'clock,
You all may hear the postman's knock…ChantsPrinted 1916Evie, Ivy, OverEvie, Ivy, over,
The kettle is boiling over…ChantsPrinted 1898Father, Give Me the KeyGirl skipping.--"Father, give me the key."
Father.--"Go to your mother."…Call a friend inPrinted 1916Goodbye (May)Goodbye (May), while you’re away,
Send a letter, love…ChantsPepper (fast)Gordon Brown Went to TownGordon Brown went to town
With his pants on upside down…In and outGranny's in the KitchenGranny's in the kitchen,
Doing some stitching…
Sent in by J B., Crockham Hill CEP (the first rhyme ever sent in to skip-hop)
ChantsCountingc. 570 ADGāo Mò (The End of Gao)高末！Gāo mò…In and outc. 1960sHad a Little Austin in 1948Had a little Austin in 1948
drove it round the corner…
Sent in by Jan B., Hazelgrove (remembered from about 1966)
ActionsPrinted 1916Half a Pint of PorterHalf a pint of porter,Penny on the can…ChantsPrinted 1898Half Pound Tuppeny RiceHalf pound tuppeny rice,
Half a pound of treacle…ActionsHigh KicksHey, (celebrity’s name).
How about a date…ChantsPrinted 1916I Am a Little Beggar-GirlI am a little beggar-girl,
My mother she is dead…ChantsPrinted 1916I Had a Dolly Dressed in GreenI had a dolly dressed in green,
I didn’t like her--I gave her to the Queen…CountingI Had a Little SisterI had a little sister,
Dressed in pink…Miss the ropeI Know a Little LadyI know a little lady, and her name is Miss.
She went around the corner to buy some fish…Countingafter 1908I Know a ScoutI know a scout
Who took me out…ChantsPrinted 1916I Went Down the LaneI went down the lane to buy a penny whistle,
A copper come by and pinch my penny whistle…ActionsChantsby 1916I Went Down TownI went down town I met miss Brown
miss brown brought a nicle so I bought a pickle…
Sent in by Anonymous
ChantsPrinted 1916I'll Tell MaI’ll tell Ma when I get homeThat the boys won’t leave me alone…Fortune tellingCountingRudeI'm Off to Get You Done(name) I'm off to get you done
cause you went upstairs with (name, name until they stop jumping)…
Sent in by Demmi, Thorpe Primary School
In and outOut goes youPrinted 1916I-N Spells InI-N spells in--I was in my kitchen…AlphabetFortune tellingPrinted 1898Ipsey, Pipsey, Tell Me TrueIpsey, Pipsey, tell me true
Who shall I be married to…ChantsRudeJulius CaesarJulius Caesar,
The Roman geezer…Miss the ropeJump and MissJump and miss, Jump and miss,
When i jump rope, I miss like this…Call a friend inRudeKiss the Bin ManI’d rather scrub the dishes,
I’d rather scrub the floor…Pepper (fast)Printed 1898Knife and Fork, Lay the ClothKnife and fork,
Lay the cloth…Fortune tellingPrinted 1916Lady, Lady on the Sea-shoreLady, lady on the sea-shore,
She has children one to four…ActionsPrinted 1898Lady, Lady, Drop Your HandkerchiefLady, lady, drop your handkerchief,
Lady, lady, pick it up…ActionsPrinted 1916Lady, Lady, Drop Your PurseLady, lady, drop your purse,
Lady, lady, pick it up…ChantsPrinted 1916Lay the Cloth, Knife and ForkLay the cloth, knife and fork,
Bring me up a leg of pork…Call a friend inRudePrinted 1916Light the Fire, BlacksmithLight the fire, blacksmith, show a pretty light,
In comes (Nellie), dressed in white…CountingLincolnLincoln, Lincoln,
I been thinking…ChantsPrinted 1916Little Mary AnneLittle Mary Anne who lives up stairs,
With high legged boots and a feather in her hat…Miss the ropeLittle Miss PinkyLittle Miss Pinky, dressed in blue,
Died last night at half past two…Out goes youPrinted 1916Look Upon the Mantle-pieceLook upon the mantle-piece,
There you’ll find a ball of grease…ActionsLords and LadiesLords and Ladies,
Children, too…Pepper (fast)Printed 1916Mabel, Mabel, Lay the TableMabel, Mabel,
Lay the table…Actionsby 1916Mademoiselle at the WellMademoiselle went to the well,
Combed her hair and brushed it well…ActionsIn and outMarco PoloMarco Polo went to France
To teach the ladies how to dance…Countingafter 1928Mickey MouseMickey Mouse
Built a house…ChantsFortune tellingRudeMillionaireI should worry, I should care
I should marry a millionaire…Out goes youPrinted 1916Monday Night, Band of HopeMonday night, Band of Hope,
Tuesday night, pull the rope…ChantsRudeMonkey on the BedTwo little monkeys
Jumping on the bed…Out goes youPrinted 1916Mother Got the Hooping CoughMother got the Hooping cough
Father got the gout…ChantsRudePrinted 1916Mother Made a Seedy CakeMother made a seedy cake,
Gave us all the belly ache…ChantsPrinted 1916Mrs. Brown Went to TownMrs. Brown went to town,
Riding on a pony…ChantsPrinted 1898My Mother SaidMy mother said
That the rope must go…CountingOld Miss BlakeOld Miss Blake baked a cake.
The cake was soggy…CountingPrinted 1916Old Mother MasonOld mother Mason--broke a basin:
What did it cost her? One penny, tuppence, etc…ActionsIn and outafter 1947One Little Man in a Flying SaucerOne little man in a flying saucer
Flew round the world one day…
Sent in by Lynne M.
CountingChantsPrinted 1916One, Two, Buckle My ShoeOne, two, buckle my shoe,Three, four, knock at the door…ActionsOver the Hills in MexicoOver the hills in Mexico,
where they do the splits, splits, splits…
Sent in by Katie F., St Ita's NS, Ireland (1 March 2012)
CountingPeaches in the ParlourPeaches in the parlour,Apples on the shelf…CountingPeas with HoneyI eat my peas with honey,
I’ve done it all my life…Out goes youPrinted 1916Penny on the WaterPenny on the water, tuppence on the sea,
Threepence on the railway--out goes she…Pepper (fast)Printed 1898Pepper, Salt, Mustard, Cider, VinegarPepper, salt, mustard, cider, vinegar…ChantsPrinted 1916Piggy on the RailwayPiggy on the railway, picking up the stones,
Up came an engine and broke Piggy’s bones…ChantsPrinted 1916Policeman, Policeman, Don't Touch MePoliceman, policeman, don’t touch me,
I have a wife and a family…CountingActionsby 1916Postman KnockingEarly in the morning at half past eight,
I heard the postman knocking at the gate…ChantsPrinted 1916Pounds, Shillings and PencePounds, shillings and pence,
The monkey jumped over the fence…CountingPowder BoxPowder box, powder box, powder your nose.
How many petals are in a rose…ChantsRudeQuick, the Dog's Been SickQuick, quick,
The dog’s been sick…ChantsPrinted 1916Rat a Tat TatRat a tat tat, who is that?
Only grandma’s pussy-cat…ActionsPepper (fast)Red Hot PepperPoliceman, policeman, stop that thief!
Make him jump without relief…AlphabetFortune tellingPrinted 1898Roses Red, Roses WhiteB-L-E-S-S-I-N-G.
Roses red, roses white…ChantsPrinted 1916Sally Go Round the MoonSally go round the moon, Sally,
Sally go round the sun…Actionsafter c. 1905Salome the DancerSalome was a dancer;
She danced for the king…Pepper (fast)Chantsby 1881Salt, Mustard, Vinegar, PepperSalt, mustard, vinegar, pepper,
French almond rock…ActionsCountingafter 1910Salute to the CaptainI’m a girl guide all dressed in blue,
Here are the actions I must do…Fortune tellingPrinted 1888Silk, Satin, Velvet, Calico, RagsSilk, satin, velvet, calico, rags…In and outSitting in the KitchenSitting in the kitchen,
Doing a bit of knitting…
Sent in by Erica O.
ActionsIn and outSpanish LadyNot last nightBut the night before…ChantsRudeStanding on the CornerI was standing on the corner,
Doing no harm…ChantsPrinted 1916Sweet, Sweet CarolineSweete, sweet Carroline,
Dipt her face in Terpentine…ChantsRudeafter 1932Tarzan's UnderwearTarzan, Tarzan, in the air,
Tarzan lost his underwear…AlphabetTeacher had a FitTeacher nearly had a fit
When I learned the alphabet…ChantsPrinted 1916The Animal ShowI went to the animal show, and what do you think I saw there?
The Elephant sneezed and fell on his knees…Actionsafter c. 1960The Boogie WoogieMy mother is a dancer,
Boy, can she twist…Fortune tellingCountingby 1695Tinker, TailorTinker, tailor, soldier, sailor,
Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief…In and outPrinted 1916Two in the RopeTwo in the rope, and two take end,
Both are sisters, both are friend…Pepper (fast)Printed 1898Up and Down the City WallUp and down the city wall,
Ha'penny loaf to feed us all…ChantsPrinted 1898Up and Down the City Wall (The Eagle)Up and down the city wall,
In and out "The Eagle,"…Fortune tellingPrinted 1898Up and Down the Ladder WallUp and down the ladder wall,
Ha'penny loaf to feed us all…Pepper (fast)Printed 1916Up the Ladder, Down the WallUp the ladder, down the wall,
Ha’penny loaf to feed us all…Pepper (fast)Printed 1916What O She BumpsWhat O she bumps,
She skips and she jumps…ChantsPrinted 1898When I Was Young and AbleWhen I was young and able,
I sat upon the table…ChantsPrinted 1916Who's in the Well?Who’s in the well?
Only the pussy-cat…ActionsRudeWhoops (Marmalade)(name) drank some marmalade,
(name) drank some pop…ActionsRudeWhoops 2 (Pickle)(name) ate a pickle,
(name) ate some pie…
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Playground Hall of Fame
Rhymes sent in to skip-hop by children and their teachers, from Kent to County Kerry to Melbourne. Thank you to everyone who has sent one in.
In and outGranny's in the KitchenGranny's in the kitchen,
Doing some stitching…
Doing a bit of knitting…
where they do the splits, splits, splits…
miss brown brought a nicle so I bought a pickle…
drove it round the corner…
cause you went upstairs with (name, name until they stop jumping)…
Flew round the world one day…
Doing some stitching…
Sent in by J B., Crockham Hill CEP (the first rhyme ever sent in to skip-hop)
In and outSitting in the KitchenSitting in the kitchen,Doing a bit of knitting…
Sent in by Erica O.
ActionsOver the Hills in MexicoOver the hills in Mexico,where they do the splits, splits, splits…
Sent in by Katie F., St Ita's NS, Ireland (1 March 2012)
ActionsChantsby 1916I Went Down TownI went down town I met miss Brownmiss brown brought a nicle so I bought a pickle…
Sent in by Anonymous
In and outc. 1960sHad a Little Austin in 1948Had a little Austin in 1948drove it round the corner…
Sent in by Jan B., Hazelgrove (remembered from about 1966)
Fortune tellingCountingRudeI'm Off to Get You Done(name) I'm off to get you donecause you went upstairs with (name, name until they stop jumping)…
Sent in by Demmi, Thorpe Primary School
ActionsIn and outafter 1947One Little Man in a Flying SaucerOne little man in a flying saucerFlew round the world one day…
Sent in by Lynne M.
Just sent in
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Victorian rope games
In 1888 W. H. Babcock recorded rope games played by girls in Washington, and in 1898 the folklorist Alice Gomme recorded the rope games of girls in London and the south of England. Some, like Baking Bread and Rocking the Cradle, were played on both sides of the Atlantic. Try them in your playground: they need no rhyme at all.
Rock the CradleThe holders of the rope do not throw it completely over, but swing it from side to side with an even motion like the swinging of the pendulum of a clock.
Chase the FoxOne girl is the leader, or fox. She runs through the rope without skipping and the others follow; then she runs in and skips once, then twice, then three times, the others all following until one trips. She takes the place of a turner.
VisitingOne girl turns the rope over herself, and another jumps in and faces her, skipping in time. She runs out again without stopping the rope, and another girl runs in.
BeggingTwo skip side by side and change places. One says "Give me some bread and butter"; the other answers "Try my next door neighbour." This goes on until one trips.
Winding the ClockThe skipper counts one, two, three, up to twelve, turning round each time she jumps.
Baking BreadThe skipper runs in with a stone in her hand, puts it down on the ground and picks it up again while skipping.
The LadderSkip first on one foot and then the other, with a stepping motion.
Double Dutch and French DutchTwo ropes turned alternately. Turned inwards it is called "double dutch", turned outwards "French dutch".
Baking Bread (Washington, 1888)The skipper holds a stone (the loaf of bread) and jumps three times, puts it down and jumps three times without it, and so on until she touches the rope and swaps with a turner.
Rocking the Cradle (Washington, 1888)Swing the rope to and fro three times, then turn it right over three times, and keep alternating until someone misses.
Fox and Goose (Washington, 1888)Everyone runs under the rope in a line, oldest first; then skips "back door" over it; then one jump each, then a skip, then two jumps, and so on.
Pile of Bricks (Washington, 1888)The rope is raised a little after every jump. Each raise is a brick, until the pile gets too high and someone misses.
Sources: W. H. Babcock, "Games of Washington Children", The American Anthropologist vol. I (July 1888), pp. 266–267; Alice Bertha Gomme, The Traditional Games of England, Scotland, and Ireland, vol. II (1898), "Skipping". See also our article The Earliest Double Dutch Skipping Reference? England, 1878 and The History of Rope Skipping.
Which rope?
One to three skippers in the rope: one rope from a pair of Double Dutch ropes. Four or more skippers at a time: a 7.5 m long rope. See the skip-hop Skills long rope games for help with turning, and the skip-hop Awards for skills to work towards.
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