Research

knock down ginger

Our recent Interview about growing up in London and playing out in the streets mentioned a game called knock down ginger, or what is also called Knock & Run.

Wikipedia, says that Knock Down Ginger is a prank or game dating back to 19th century England, or possibly the earlier Cornish traditional holiday of Nickanan Night. The game is played by children in many cultures. It involves knocking on the front door (or ringing the doorbell) of a victim, then running away before the door can be answered.

The name Knock down Ginger or Knocky Door Ginger, used in Britain, comes from a piece of British doggerel:

Ginger, Ginger broke a winder
Hit the winda – Crack!
The baker came out to give ‘im a clout.
And landed on his back.

It’s interesting to see that what young people call this game now – Ding dong ditch – Wikipedia says hails from the United States or Canada.

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