am stram gram
am stram gram is the French way to say the English nursery rhyme "eenie meenie miney mo".
This phrase is a rhyme used by children to make a random choice between several options, functioning similarly to the English "eenie meenie miney mo".
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking areas, the rhyme is used as a tool for rhythmic training. Teachers sometimes use the cadence of am stram gram to help very young children understand basic meter and beat in music.
- While the English rhyme often has a 'darker' historical connotation in certain dialects, the French am stram gram remains strictly nonsensical and neutral, lacking any historical link to the social or political subtexts sometimes debated in English-speaking studies.
- While children use am stram gram to make a selection, it is often accompanied by a specific rhythmic tapping on the head or shoulders of the chosen person.
Examples in context
- On va faire am stram gram pour décider.We are going to do eenie meenie miney mo to decide.
- Am stram gram, c'est toi qui as gagné !Eenie meenie miney mo, you are the one who won!
Example conversation
Two children are deciding who goes first in a game.
- ChloéOn fait am stram gram pour choisir ?Shall we do eenie meenie miney mo to choose?
- LucasOui, d'accord, commence !Yes, okay, start!
- ChloéAm stram gram, c'est toi !Eenie meenie miney mo, it's you!
- LucasSuper, je commence alors !Great, I'll start then!
