Roman numerals (game)

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Roman numerals or poo bum dickie is a drinking game played by a moderate gathering of people, all with alcoholic beverages. The premise is that players must count upwards from one around the circle in Roman numerals. So, the counting order would be as such, with each person saying one number and then passing play on to the next person clockwise.

I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI, XXII, XXIII, XXIV, XXV, etc.

However, counting like that isn't particularly funny at all. Thus, the following changes are made:

  • The word poo must be used instead of I.
  • The word bum must be used instead of V.
  • The word dickie must be used instead of X.

The game is started by any person clearly saying "poo." The next player clockwise must then say "poo poo." This order then continues around the circle until:

  • a player says the wrong thing, or;
  • a player takes too long to say anything, or;
  • a player starts to giggle like an immature little girl.

Players who violate one of these three rules will be forced to consume some of their beverage.

Contents

[edit] Reaching 39

The first time people play, they will often ask "what happens when we get to thirty-nine?" This seems like a valid question, because thirty-nine is IXL, and there is no word for L. In practice, the number thirty-nine is rarely ever reached in a typical game; however in the event that this does happen, the player whose turn it is must say: "Poo, dickie alcohol!", with great emphasis on "alcohol". When this happens, all participants must consume.

[edit] Bahamas Version

In the Bahamas, they replace the words with "local favorites", as follows:

  • The word barnacles must be used instead of I.
  • The word cincinatti must be used instead of V.
  • The word titticaca must be used instead of X.

[edit] Essex Version

A popular version of this game, invented in Essex, is the same except with the following:

  • No is used instead of I.
  • Daddy is used instead of V.
  • Don't touch me is used instead of X.

If you actually manage to count past about ten in this version, much hilarity ensues.

[edit] Northern Ireland version

The Northern Ireland version is the same except with the following:

  • No is used instead of I.
  • Daddy no is used instead of V.
  • Not the wall is used instead of X.
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