Booby prize facts for kids

A booby prize is a funny prize given to someone who didn't do very well in a competition, often finishing in last place. It's like a joke award for the person who came in last! For example, if you finish last in a race, you might get a silly, worthless coin as a booby prize. Sometimes, people even joke about wanting to win a booby prize because it's so funny.

Booby prizes can also be given as consolation prizes. These are small gifts given to everyone who didn't win a main prize. It's a way to make sure everyone gets something for participating.

You might see booby prizes on TV shows. For instance, the game show Let's Make a Deal gives out "zonks." These are funny, often useless, prizes that contestants get if they pick the wrong curtain.

What is a Booby Prize?

A booby prize is usually a humorous award. It's not meant to be mean. Instead, it's a lighthearted way to acknowledge the person who performed the worst. It often makes everyone laugh. The idea is to celebrate participation, even if the outcome wasn't a win. It reminds everyone that it's okay to not be the best.

Where Did the Name Come From?

The word "booby" might sound a bit silly. It comes from the Spanish word bobo, which means "silly" or "foolish." This word then came from the Latin word balbus, meaning "stammering." So, a "booby" was someone who seemed clumsy or not very smart.

When we say "booby prize," it literally means "idiot's prize" or "fool's prize." This term started being used around the year 1893. You might have also heard of a "booby trap." That's a hidden trap designed to surprise or trick someone, often in a funny way. Both terms share the idea of something being a bit foolish or tricky.

See Also

• Bozo bit
• Golden Raspberry Awards
• Ig Nobel Prize
• No-Prize

Images for kids

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  A wooden spoon is a common booby prize in sporting events