Little known origins for English words and phrases #1

Hopscotch: “Scotch” is commonly misconceived as referring to the original inventors as being Scottish. The game was actually invented, patented, and copywritten in 1867, by a group of British drunks. The original 1867 guidelines of the game were as follows:

1. Imbibe as much scotch whisky as possible
2. Leap about after that William chap
3. Vomit
4. Imbibe more scotch whisky

It was around the turn of the century (roughly 1902) that the children of London adapted the game. The rules were changed significantly since the children allowed scotch blends to be consumed due to the climbing prices of single malt.