
The Double Dog Dare has become a staple of childhood mischief, but have you ever wondered where it originated? The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century.
It's interesting to note that the Double Dog Dare gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly among children in suburban areas. The phrase was often used as a way to challenge friends to do something they might not normally do.
The Double Dog Dare is more than just a fun phrase - it's also a reflection of the social dynamics of childhood. According to the article, the phrase was often used to assert dominance or to test the limits of a friend's courage.
Double Dog Dare Origin
The double dog dare has been a staple of youthful mischief for centuries. It's listed in the book The Child and Childhood in Folk-Thought by Alexander F Chamberlain, written in 1896.
The term gained a new level of popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to the movie A Christmas Story, released in 1983. This film set in 1940 features a memorable scene where one child double dog dares another to touch a frozen flagpole with his tongue, with disastrous consequences.
The double dog dare has been used as a verb and a noun, and is often associated with the South and Midwest regions of the United States.
History of the Phrase
The double dog dare has been a staple of youthful mischief since the mid-to-late 1800s. It's listed in the book The Child and Childhood in Folk-Thought by Alexander F Chamberlain, written in 1896.
The term gained popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to the 1983 movie A Christmas Story. In the movie, one child double dog dares another to touch a frozen flagpole with his tongue, with predictably disastrous results.
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Double dog dare has been used in various contexts, including sports and food. For example, in addition to running a half marathon, folks may take on the "Double-Dog Dare" and turn their half marathon into a full marathon.
It's also been used to describe the quality of a product, as seen in the phrase "double-dog-dare-you-to-drink-it dead worm inside" from The Fort Worth Weekly. This phrase is a humorous way of saying a product is of poor quality.
Cultural Significance
The Double Dog Dare has become a staple in American pop culture, symbolizing a rite of passage for kids and teenagers. It's a way to test courage and prove bravery.
The dare is often associated with childhood games and playground antics, where kids would challenge each other to perform silly tasks or feats of endurance. The Double Dog Dare specifically originated in the 1960s.
This phrase has become a cultural reference point, often used humorously or ironically to describe a bold or reckless move. It's a way to add emphasis to a dare or challenge.
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In many cases, the Double Dog Dare is used as a way to prove masculinity or toughness, especially among boys and young men. It's a way to demonstrate courage and bravery in the face of fear or uncertainty.
The Double Dog Dare has also been referenced in various forms of media, such as movies, TV shows, and books. It's a way to add a touch of realism or authenticity to a story.
The phrase has become a part of our collective cultural vocabulary, and its meaning is widely understood. It's a way to communicate a sense of challenge or risk-taking.
In Popular Culture
Games of dare have been depicted in various forms of fiction, often with negative outcomes. The movie A Christmas Story, set in 1940 America, shows a scene where escalating dares lead to trouble.
Dare games have also been a format for game shows, with the Nickelodeon franchise Double Dare being a notable example. Double Dare added a scoring system and penalties to the basic rules of dare.
Movies and TV Shows

Games of dare have been depicted in various forms of media. In the movie A Christmas Story, set in 1940 America, escalating dares result in negative outcomes.
The Dare Game, an English children's novel, features a game of dare as its central theme. The TV adaptation of The Story of Tracy Beaker also includes a similar plotline.
Dare is a common format for game shows, as seen in the Nickelodeon franchise Double Dare. This show added a scoring system and penalties to the basic rules of dare.
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Music and Video Games
Music and Video Games is a match made in heaven. Many iconic video games feature memorable soundtracks that have become synonymous with the gaming experience.
The Legend of Zelda series, for example, has a distinctive musical style that has been a key part of its enduring appeal. Its haunting melodies and sweeping orchestral scores have been a staple of the series since the first game was released in 1986.

The use of music in video games has also been a key factor in creating immersive and engaging experiences. The game " Portal" features a catchy and clever soundtrack that complements its dark humor and challenging puzzles.
The relationship between music and video games is a two-way street, with many games influencing the music industry and vice versa. The game "Guitar Hero" was a major hit, helping to popularize the use of video games as a way to learn and play musical instruments.
Idioms and Phrases
Idioms and Phrases play a significant role in our language, and understanding them can add flavor and depth to our conversations.
You've probably heard people say they did something "on a dare", which means they attempted it because someone challenged them to be bold or take a risk. This phrase is often used to describe a spontaneous or impulsive action.
If someone dares you to do something, you might feel a mix of emotions, from excitement to fear. But, in the end, you'll know you pushed yourself to try something new.
Here are some common idioms and phrases related to being dared:
- on a dare: in response to being challenged to attempt something dangerous or bold
Frequently Asked Questions
What is higher than a double dog dare?
What's higher than a double dog dare? A triple dog dare is the ultimate challenge, taking dares to the next level.
What does it mean when someone double dares you?
When someone double dares you, it means they're issuing a more serious or playful challenge, encouraging you to take a risk or do something bold. A double dare is essentially a dare with a stronger emphasis, often used to add humor or excitement to a situation.
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