Johnny Whoop facts for kids

Johnny Whoop, sometimes called Johnny, Johnny, is a fun hand game for kids. It's a bit of a puzzle! One person shows how to do a special finger-tapping sequence. Then, others try to copy it exactly. But there's a secret trick that makes it harder than it looks!

Johnny Whoop: How to Play the Hand Game

Playing Johnny Whoop is simple, but remembering the steps can be tricky! Here's how it usually works:

• One person holds out one hand, palm up.
• With the other hand, they use their index finger to touch each finger on the first hand.
• They start with the pinky finger and move towards the index finger.
• As they touch each finger, they say "Johnny."
• After touching the index finger, they slide their index finger down between the index finger and the thumb. As they slide, they say "Whoop."
• Then, they touch the thumb and say "Johnny."
• Next, they slide their finger back up from the thumb, saying "Whoop" again.
• Finally, they touch each finger again, going from the index finger back to the pinky, saying "Johnny" for each one.

The full sequence of words sounds like this: "Johnny, Johnny, Johnny, Johnny, Whoop, Johnny, Whoop, Johnny, Johnny, Johnny, Johnny."

The Secret Behind the Game

The real fun and challenge of Johnny Whoop comes from a hidden trick. The person who starts the game does something very subtle. This action is usually done right after they finish the "Johnny" sequence.

For example, they might:

• Fold their arms.
• Put their hands together.
• Say a specific phrase like "Now, you try."

When others try to copy the sequence, they often focus only on the finger movements and words. They don't notice the small, secret action. Because they miss this hidden step, they are told they did it wrong, even if their finger movements and words are perfect!

Why Johnny Whoop is So Fun

The game is exciting because some people know the trick and some don't. Those who don't know the secret might get very puzzled. They might try many times, thinking they need to tap faster or say the words differently. They might even get a bit frustrated trying to figure it out!

The people who know the trick enjoy watching others try to solve the puzzle. It's a great way to see who can pay close attention to every little detail. The game teaches you to look beyond just the obvious actions.

Good for Little Ones Too

Even though Johnny Whoop is a guessing game, it can also be used for very young children. For babies or toddlers, the game helps them improve their hand-eye coordination. When played with little ones, the "trick" part is usually left out. It becomes a simple, fun way to practice moving fingers and hands.

A Bit of History

The earliest known mention of the Johnny Whoop game in writing was in 1966. However, it's very likely that people were playing this game long before that time. Many hand games and children's rhymes are passed down through generations without being written down.