Icing (game)

Icing is a drinking game and Internet phenomenon that involves the game participant being surprised with a bottle of Smirnoff Ice and thus obligated to kneel and drink it on the spot. Originating in the late 2000s, the game gained popularity in 2010 through social media and was widely played across college campuses in the United States.

Rules

The basic premise of Icing involves an individual presenting a bottle of Smirnoff Ice to another person in any manner. Upon being presented with the bottle, the recipient must kneel and drink the Smirnoff Ice immediately, regardless of the setting. The only known defense against being "Iced" is for the targeted individual to have their own bottle of Smirnoff Ice on hand to "Ice block" the attacker, forcing the original presenter to drink both bottles.

Variations

While the core rules of Icing remain consistent, numerous variations have emerged to keep the game interesting and increase its challenge. These variations can include:

• Location-based Icing: Where the challenge is to Ice someone in a difficult or unexpected location.
• Themed Icing: Occasions like birthdays, holidays, or events where Icings are planned with specific themes in mind.
• Group Icing: Involving multiple people being Iced at the same time.

Cultural Impact

Icing quickly became a cultural phenomenon, especially among young adults and college students. It was not only a game but also a means of social interaction, often sparking spontaneous gatherings and celebrations. However, it also faced criticism for promoting binge drinking and was scrutinized for its association with a specific brand, leading to debates about whether it was a genuine grassroots trend or a clever marketing ploy by Smirnoff.

Controversy

Critics of Icing argue that it promotes excessive drinking and can lead to dangerous levels of alcohol consumption. There have been calls for the game to be banned on college campuses, and some institutions have taken steps to discourage its practice due to concerns over alcohol poisoning and the promotion of unhealthy drinking habits.

In Popular Culture

Icing has been referenced in various media outlets, social media platforms, and even in television shows, reflecting its widespread recognition and the curiosity it has generated among those outside the immediate drinking game community.

See Also

• Drinking games
• Internet phenomena
• College culture