It's all fun and games

Posted by Fred on September 02, 2002

In Reply to: It's all fun and games posted by ESC on September 02, 2002

: : : I don't know if this phrase would have any specific origin, but does anyone know of one?

: : -quote-
: : The term, "It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye" is from Ancient Rome. The only rule during wrestling matches was, "No eye gouging." Everything else was allowed. The only way to be disqualified was to poke someone's eye out.
: : -end quote-

: The Ancient Romans and mothers everywhere have used this phrase.

Yeah, I've seen that on the internet as well, but there is no attribution or source. I find it hard to believe that this phrase is older than the middle of this century, since, although it is well known to people of the internet generation, it isn't particularly familiar to the baby boomers. My guess would be that the true origin is a fairly recent comedian, but I'm willing to accept the Roman etymology, if you can give me an reputable source.

• It's all fun and games Woodchuck 09/02/02
  • It's all fun and games ESC 09/02/02