Tag (game)
A chasing game with ancient roots and global variations.
Tag (also called chase, tig, it, tiggy, tips, tick, on-on and tip) is a playground game involving one or more players chasing other players in an attempt to 'tag' and mark them out of play, typically by touching with a hand. There are many variations; most forms have no teams, scores, or equipment. Usually when a person is tagged, the tagger says, 'It!', 'Tag, you\'re \'It\'!' or 'Tag'. The last one tagged during tag is 'It' for the next round. The game is known by other names in various parts of the world, including 'running and catching' in India, 'catch and cook' in the Middle East, 'lelu' in Vanuatu, and 'berek' in Poland.
- Known since
- at least the fourth century BC
- Earliest recorded reference
- Ancient Greek poet Erinna's poem The Distaff
- Common names
- tag, tig, it, chasey, tips
- Variants mentioned
- kho-kho, kabaddi, atya-patya, langdi, gollachut, British bulldog, chaos tag
- Major competitions
- World Chase Tag, Pro Kabaddi League, Ultimate Kho Kho
Lore & Background
Tag-like games have been played throughout history since at least the fourth century BC. The Ancient Greek poet Erinna, in her poem The Distaff, speaks of a tag-like game where one kid, the 'tortoise', chases other kids, and the tagged kid becomes the new 'tortoise'. Langdi is believed to have been played in the Pandya dynasty, over a thousand years ago. Some Indian variations of tag are theorized to represent certain things from ancient Indian history; for example, there is evidence to suggest that the traditional Bengali game of gollachut may represent escape attempts by agricultural slaves during the Indus Valley Civilization.
Reader's Guide
Tag is a foundational playground game with a history stretching back to at least the fourth century BC, as recorded by the Ancient Greek poet Erinna. Its name origin is uncertain: the Merriam-Webster dictionary states the origin is unknown, while the Oxford Dictionary of English speculates it is a variant of 'tig', which itself is possibly a variant of 'tick'. A 2018 internet meme falsely claimed 'tag' was an acronym for 'touch and go'. The game has many regional names, including 'tig' in parts of the UK, 'chasey' in Australia, and 'running and catching' in India. Variations such as kho-kho, kabaddi, and atya-patya have ancient Indian origins and are played in modern competitions. Major modern competitions for tag-like games include World Chase Tag, Pro Kabaddi League, and Ultimate Kho Kho. Tag has also faced bans in some schools due to concerns about injuries, bullying, and self-esteem issues.
Did You Know?
- The origin of the name 'tag' is unknown according to Merriam-Webster, while the Oxford Dictionary of English speculates it is a variant of 'tig'.
- The Ancient Greek poet Erinna described a tag-like game in her poem The Distaff, dating to at least the fourth century BC.
- In some parts of Scotland, the call is 'Tig, you're het!' instead of 'Tag, you're It!'.
- A 2018 internet meme falsely claimed 'tag' was an acronym for 'touch and go'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tag (game)?
Tag is a simple playground chasing game in which one or more players pursue others and mark them out by making physical contact, typically with a hand. The person who gets tagged becomes the new chaser for the next round. In its most basic form it requires no teams, scores, or equipment.
What are the basic rules of Tag (game)?
One player is designated the chaser and calls out a phrase like 'Tag!' or 'It!' upon making contact with another player. That tagged player then becomes the new chaser, and the cycle continues. Most versions carry no formal scoring, team structure, or required gear.
What are some popular variations of Tag (game)?
Tag has spawned numerous regional versions, including kho-kho and kabaddi from India, British bulldog from the UK, and chaos tag. In the Middle East it is sometimes called 'catch and cook,' while in India it also goes by 'running and catching.'
Are there professional Tag (game) competitions?
Yes — the World Chase Tag league features athletes performing acrobatic tag on obstacle courses, while Pro Kabaddi League and Ultimate Kho Kho are major competitive circuits built around tag-based gameplay.
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