Bo Peep February 15, 2017 All Rhymes 0 Comments

Georgie Porgie

Georgie Porgie, puddin’ and pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry.
When the boys came out to play,
Georgie Porgie ran away.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Historical & Traditional, Moral & Lesson, Mother Goose Classics, People & Characters

Tagged boy, bully, crying, girl, kissing, pie, pudding

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Meaning

The rhyme humorously depicts a mischievous boy, Georgie Porgie, who behaves boldly toward girls by kissing them, only to flee when confronted by other boys. It’s often read as a commentary on childish bravado and cowardice or early social interactions between boys and girls.

Origin

This rhyme is believed to have originated in England and reflects the cadence and character tropes common in British oral tradition. The use of food-based nicknames (like “pudding and pie”) was typical in 17th–18th century popular culture.

Time Period

Late 18th to early 19th century. It likely circulated orally before it was first recorded in print.

Why It Became Popular

Its short, catchy rhythm and humorous depiction of an archetypal naughty boy made it a favorite in nurseries and early readers. It also lent itself well to chants and playground recitations.

First Known Publication

The earliest known printed version appears in The Kentish Coronal (circa 1841), although it likely existed in oral tradition for decades prior. A version was also published in James Orchard Halliwell’s The Nursery Rhymes of England (1842).

Structure and Style

Meter: Trochaic tetrameter alternating with trimeter
Rhyme Scheme: AABB
Line Count: 4 lines
Style Notes: Strong rhythm and repetition, suitable for chanting; simple vocabulary; the rhyme relies on humorous imagery and a twist ending.

Themes

Childhood behavior
Gender interaction
Teasing and embarrassment
Social norms

Language Notes

“Pudding and pie” was a common food phrase meant to suggest richness or indulgence—possibly implying Georgie was a bit spoiled or pampered.
“Made them cry” relies on emotional exaggeration, typical of rhymes involving boys and girls.
The sing-song name “Georgie Porgie” uses reduplication, which is common in nursery rhymes for its mnemonic and rhythmic qualities.

Moral or Lesson

Implied lesson: Actions have social consequences. Georgie’s behavior toward the girls results in confrontation, which he is too timid to face.

Historical or Cultural Notes

There is an unverified but often repeated claim that “Georgie Porgie” may refer to George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592–1628), known for romantic exploits and political controversy. However, this attribution is more folklore than fact, and the rhyme likely evolved independently of any historical figure.

Notable Variants

Some versions replace “the girls” with “the boys” or “the maids,” and alter the final line to variations like “and ran away” or “and would not stay.”

Appearances in Media or Literature

Referenced in children’s books and television, often to characterize someone as overly forward or cowardly.
Used in The Simpsons, Doctor Who, and numerous cartoons as comic shorthand for awkward romantic behavior.

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Georgie Porgie

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