knick knack patty wack?!?

Question

this old man he played one he played knick knack on my thumb. with a knick knack patty wack give the dog a bone this old man came rolling home.
How did this song originate? what the hell is knick knack and how do you play it? who is patty?

Answer 1

Paddywhack, as far as I know, refers to the spinal cord (the springy white bit) down the middle of a cooked back-bone. . Thus it fits nicely to the "give a dog a bone". I'm also sure I have seen it used as a name for a dog treat somewhere.
'Knackers' is an old name for castanets or wooden

As to the rest, it more than likely is a nonsense rhyme that can be used to teach counting to children

Answer 2

i have two thoughts on this

one:
Paddywhack, as far as I know, refers to the spinal cord (the springy white bit) down the middle of a cooked back-bone. I had never heard of it until my husband pointed it out in a piece of stewed lamb neck. Thus it fits nicely to the "give a dog a bone". I'm also sure I have seen it used as a name for a dog treat somewhere.

As to the rest, it more than likely is a nonsense rhyme that can be used to teach counting to children.


two:
I have heard that it originated as a Sailors busking song. Begging was illegal but by playing the bones , or knick knacks, you became an entertainer. This is why the begging reference - give the dog a bone.
Paddy and wack are both terms akin to mate or friend.

Answer 3

Knick Knack is a game or something? I dont know how u play it....Maybe like the drums using your fingers~! Maybe Patty is the old man~!:) Your guess is as good as mine~!

Answer 4

Whos did Patty Wack?? any ways

Answer 5

I'm not sure, but your screen name intrigues me. Tape face, sticky face tape on your face face. Did you enjoy The State while it was on?

Answer 6

Good, question now I am curious right along with you.

Answer 7

ur not the only one trying to figure this out....

Answer 8

its a song!!! :]