Punch buggy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Punch buggy (also called punch bug or slug bug[1]) is a car game generally played by young children in which participants lightly punch each other in the shoulder upon first sight of a Volkswagen Beetle while calling out "Slug bug!" or "Punch buggy!" in reference to the Beetle's nickname, the Bug.[2]
[edit] History
Most references about the game originate from unofficial sources and personal accounts from players. Estimates suggest that it has existed since the 1960s.[3]
[edit] Variants
Most players consider a Volkswagen van to be a "double slug bug" or "double punch buggy", which counts for two punches. Some players consider Volkswagen's 1998 reintroduction of the New Beetle invalid for game purposes but, as older models become more rare, some players may choose to include the new Beetles. Others allow "classic" bugs to count for two punches. [1] Some authors suggest similar games with station wagons, convertibles, PT cruisers and buses.[4] A simpler variation has been suggested for use in helping to engage autistic children during car rides.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Polk, Janet (2006). Rules for Playing Slug Bug and Punch Buggy. AuthorHouse. pp. 17. ISBN 1425902294. http://books.google.com/books?id=KT3koDJS9IMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22punch+buggy%22#PPP1,M1.
- ^ Case, Steven L. (2003). Road Rules. Zondervan. pp. 114. ISBN 0310251001.
- ^ "Bug: The Strange Mutations of the World's Most Famous Automobile". WNYC: New York Public Radio. 2007-03-28. http://www.wnyc.org/books/5377.
- ^ Dazzo, Susan (2005). Mom's Guide to Being a Superhero. Fair Winds. pp. 133. ISBN 1592331165. http://books.google.com/books?id=M87iX3eSNZEC&pg=PA133&dq=%22punch+buggy%22&lr=.
- ^ Greenspan, Stanley and Wieder, Serena (2006). Engaging Autism. De Capo Press. pp. 191. ISBN 0738210285. http://books.google.com/books?id=1yUqcJzopjAC&pg=PA191&dq=%22punch+buggy%22+variation&lr=.
