The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A POPULAR GAME WAS THE
COOTIES, EACH DAY ONE CHILD WOULD PUSH ANOTHER
CHILD INTO THE UGLIEST BOY OR GIRL, THIS STARTED THE
COOTIES. WHO EVER WAS PUSHED INTO THE UGLY CHILD GOT
THE COOTIES. THE VICTIM COULD GET RID OF THE
COOTIES BY TAPPING ANOTHER CLASS MATE WITHOUT
THE TEACHER SEEING IT DONE. IF YOU WERE THE LAST ONE
WITH THE COOTIES AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOUR
BEST FRIEND COULD PICK THE COOTIES OFF OF
YOU WITH A COOTIE CATCHER, SO YOU WOULD NOT
HAVE TO TAKE THEM HOME WITH YOU AT NIGHT.
HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY YOU HAD TO BE GIVEN THE
COOTIES BACK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-00-1984