Is the correct version of the nursery rhyme "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Incy Wincy Spider" ?

Question

I'm trying to find out whether the correct version of the popular spider nursery rhyme is Itsy BItsy spider or Incy Wincy Spider. I personally think it's Itsy Bitsy Spider but my mom thinks otherwise

Answer 1

I think it's the Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Answer 2

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Answer 3

"Itsy Bitsy Spider" (also known as "Incy Wincy" or "Eency Weency Spider") is a popular nursery rhyme that describes the adventures of a spider as it ascends, descends and reascends the downspout of a gutter system (or, alternatively, the spout of a teapot). It is usually accompanied by a sequence of gestures that mimic the words of the song. The first published version was in 1962, though it is believed to have existed as a folk song before that.

The lyrics come in various versions:

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain
So the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
The most common version of the song that most people sing would be:

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout.
Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

or

Incy wincy spider climbing up the spout.
Down came the rain, and washed poor Incy out.
Out came the sunshine, and dried up all the rain
So Incy wincy spider climbs up the spout again.

Recitation of the rhyme is often combined with actions representing the words. For the first (and last) line, alternately touch the thumb of one hand to the index finger of the other. For "Down came the rain" hold both hands up and wiggle the fingers as you lower the hands. For "washed the spider out" sweep the hands to the side. For the third line bring both hands up and then to the sides to sweep out a semi-circle (the sun).

There is a second, less well-known verse.

Incy Wincy Spider climbed up the tree.
Down came the snow and made poor Incy freeze.
Out came the sunshine, and melted all the snow
So Incy Wincy Spider had another go.

k1

Answer 4

I grew up with Itsy Bitsy, but I do hear Incy WIncy a lot. If you see it in a book it's always Itsy Bitsy. My in-laws say Incy Bincy and for some reason it drives me nuts.

Answer 5

this is a mystery and conundrum that has baffled mankind for eons. the male spiders prefer itsy bitsy to incy wincy. so it depends upon the gender and species of spider. all the votes are not in yet as surveys are difficult. some of them bite.

Answer 6

They both are correct - there are two versions. I grew up learning "itsy bitsy" but I know others who learned the other version and I have seen a book for the other version as well.

Answer 7

It's a regional thing on the words. I do think (after 20 years of singing it to preschoolers) that the correct lyrics are "Itsy Bitsy". And thank you! now I can't get the song out of my head!!!!

Answer 8

Oh, touche! I think it's "itsy bitsy spider". Man this one ranks up there with the other great nursery rhyme debates of our time...I mean it's up there with I'm a little tea pot's "then I shout" vs. "hear me shout".

Answer 9

"Itsy Bitsy Spider"

Answer 10

Itsy bitsy is the version I know.