The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

In our family, if any two people say the exact same words at
the exact same time (or at least pretty close) a tagging fight
breaks out. One of the persons involved tries to be the first to
tag the other and say, "Owe me a coke!" or "Owe me a beer!" This
tag fight can get so involved that they may even chase each other
down the street. The tagging fight can also last a very long time
and can be exciting to watch.

James Callow comment: See Cf. Hand, North Carolina, 447-454. See Puckett, Ohio, nos.
21886-21946, 22259, 22319. Despite the many examples in this great
collection, none of the verbal formulas and finger rituals match
the ones in our entry.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Speaking in unison

Date learned: 00-00-1975