Sometimes while teaching or talking with friends I make reference to Bible stories. When teaching Lord of the Flies to my fifth and sixth graders this year, I referred to Cain and Able. Just recently I dropped an allusion to Lot’s wife leaving Sodom and Gomorrah into a conversation I was having with a well-educated friend. In both cases, the references fell flat and the listeners were left with quizzical expressions.
Whenever this happens, I blame the parents. (As a teacher I am more-than-inclined to place responsibility where it squarely belongs—with parents.) So, when my daughter Isabel heard a reference to “slug bug” and got the same quizzical look on her face, I stepped right in and caught her up to speed. I grew up in Delaware and we called the game “Punch Buggy.” Erica grew up in Montana and she called it “Slug Bug.” Whatever you call it, the rules seem to be pretty much the same across the country.
From what I can tell, the game has been played in America for at least 40 years. If you know how to play, then just remember when we next see each other, I owe you a punch. If you don’t know how to play, follow this link and get started.
