The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WHEN THE OPPOSITE SEX COMES NEAR YOU, CROSS THE FIRST TWO FINGERS
OF YOUR RIGHT HAND AND PLACE THEM ON THE BACK OF YOUR LEFT HAND.
THIS PROTECTS YOU FROM "COOTIES".

Submitter comment: THIS IS FOR GRADE SCHOOL CHILDREN, WHO ARE CONVINCED THAT THE
OPPOSITE SEX CARRIES SOME SORT OF INFECTIOUS GERM (COOTIES).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

Date learned: 00001960S