July 05, 2010, 21:01
KallehRoshambo
I came across the word "roshambo" for the game "rock, paper, scissors," and then found a fascinating history with the game. It apparently started early in Japan, though
claims of as early as 200 BC haven't been substantiated. However, it became popular in the mid-1700s in Europe where, for some reason, it was associated with Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, and that's how it became called "roshambo" or "rochambeau." It apparently is a serious game. Indeed, there are tournaments and
championships! Have you only called it "rock, paper, scissors," as I have? Or, as the Wikipedia article stated, have you ever said "Ro! Cham! Beau!" when you played?
July 05, 2010, 21:37
GeoffHaving had an impoverished childhood, I've never played it, but have heard it called both.
July 06, 2010, 01:13
arnieI remember it being mentioned in an episode of
QI. Apparently in some places it's also known as "fargling".
July 06, 2010, 06:05
zmježdI have heard it called by both names, and I played it as a lad. Ah, those halcyon sald days of yore. We folded cootie catchers, too, and hexaflexagons. I have heard that there is an augmented version of Rochambeau that uses lizard and Spock as additional weapons.
July 06, 2010, 07:23
BobHaleGood lord. I thought that was some kind of esoteric joke that I didn't get ZM but ten seconds googling informs me that there is indeed the five option variant.
I've learned something new today.
July 07, 2010, 00:27
neveuYeah, but everyone always plays Spock.