Eena Meena Miny Mo
Eena, meena, mina, mo,
Catch a nigger by the toe;
If he squeals let him go,
Eeena, meena, mina, mo.
Nursery rhyme origin
Whilst there are versions of the first line of this rhyme in both German and Cornish, the two middle lines, it is agreed, undoubtedly originated from America.
The rhyme is used to choose who is ‘it’ in children’s games.
NOTE: To those of you who are offended by this rhyme, please remember that this site is dedicated to the history of rhymes. I certainly don’t suggest that it is used today in this format, I’m merely showing the original. All children in British schools use a variety of other (what are deemed less offensive) terms nowadays.
Hi, I remember different words to this when I was a child, in Lancashire in the 50’s.
The third line went:
When he’s dead, boil his head
and make him into gingerbread.
I have no idea why, though
Regards
Paul Sim