Mumblety-peg

Boy Scouts playing "mumble the peg", circa 1915

Detail of

In one basic version of the game, a knife is embedded in the ground and players attempt to extract it using only their teeth. In other versions this is a forfeit for the loser of the game

Mumblety-peg (also known as mumblepeg, mumble-the-peg, mumbledepeg or mumblety-peg) is a knife game that has been played by children and adults in various forms for centuries. The game's origins are difficult to trace, but it is believed to have been popular among American boys since at least the 19th century. Mumblety-peg is played using a pocketknife, which is thrown in various ways to stick in the ground. The game's name, "mumblety-peg", comes from the practice of placing a small peg into the ground, which the loser must remove with his teeth.

Gameplay

The basic premise of mumblety-peg involves players taking turns to throw a knife in a series of prescribed ways so that the knife's blade sticks into the ground. The game can involve a variety of complicated tricks, such as flipping the knife in the air or throwing it from various positions (e.g., over the shoulder, under the leg). The exact rules and challenges can vary widely among players and regions, but the objective remains to successfully stick the knife into the ground in the manner specified for each turn.

One common version of the game requires players to complete a sequence of throws, progressing only after successfully completing the previous throw. Failure to stick the knife in the prescribed manner passes the turn to the next player. The game continues until one player completes the entire sequence of throws.

Another variant involves players attempting to stick the knife as close to their own foot as possible without injuring themselves, showcasing both daring and skill.

Safety and Controversy

Given the inherent dangers of throwing knives, especially among children, mumblety-peg has seen a decline in popularity. Concerns over safety and the potential for injury have led to the game being discouraged or banned in some areas. Despite this, mumblety-peg remains a part of cultural history and is often cited as an example of historical children's games that involved a higher level of risk and physical challenge than many of today's games.

Cultural References

Mumblety-peg has been referenced in various works of literature and popular culture, highlighting its once-common place in American childhood. Notable authors such as Mark Twain have mentioned the game in their works, serving to document the game's popularity and the cultural practices surrounding it.

See Also

• Knife throwing
• Children's street culture
• Historical games