Playing the Dozens: Etymology Reconsidered

This article explores the etymology and cultural significance of the phrase "playing the dozens," which refers to a game or ritualized exchange of verbal insults, particularly about one's opponent's family, especially their mother. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the dozens...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ANQ (Lexington, Ky.) Ky.), 2025-01, Vol.38 (1), p.160-161
Main Author: Sayers, William
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
African Americans
Dictionaries
Etymology
Germanic languages
Verbal aggression
Verbal communication
Word meaning
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:This article explores the etymology and cultural significance of the phrase "playing the dozens," which refers to a game or ritualized exchange of verbal insults, particularly about one's opponent's family, especially their mother. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the dozens as a game of ritualized verbal insults and ridicule. The article suggests that the origin of the phrase may be derived from the verb "doze," meaning to stupefy or bewilder. The author traces the etymology of "doze" back to Proto-Germanic roots, which also gave rise to words like "daze" and "dazen." Also discusses the various terms used to describe the verbal contests associated with playing the dozens, such as blazing, roasting, capping, clowning, and jiving. The cultural significance of playing the dozens in the African-American community is also explored, including its historical origins, performance art aspects, and development of mental and verbal skills.
ISSN:0895-769X
1940-3364
DOI:10.1080/0895769X.2023.2292284