'Crosskeys!'

Posted by David FG on July 15, 2005

In Reply to: 'Crosskeys!' posted by Owlie on July 15, 2005

: In the classic childrens game 'Tag' (though it has also been used in many other variations such as 'Stuck in the Mud' or even 'Hide and Seek Tag'), there is something they do that protects them from being 'tagged'. This is to cross their middle and fore-finger over (sometimes on both hands) and say 'Crosskeys!'. What does 'crosskeys' mean exactly, and does the shape they make have anything to do with when you cross your fingers when you're lying?

I assume it would be spelled 'crosskies' and is a diminutive of 'cross' (as in the crossing of fingers.) There are a number of such sayings which convey immunity upon he/she who says them: perhaps the most common is 'fainites'.

I have no idea what that means, either.

DFG

• 'Crosskeys!' Victoria S Dennis 16/July/05
  • 'Crosskeys!' Smokey Stover 17/July/05