A coconut shy (or coconut shie) is a traditional game frequently found as a sidestall at funfairs and fêtes. The game consists of throwing wooden balls at a row of coconuts balanced on posts. Typically a player buys three balls and wins each coconut successfully dislodged. In some cases other prizes may be won instead of the coconuts.

The origins of the game are unclear, although the term is first listed in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1903. It probably derives from the game of Aunt Sally, with coconuts being seen as an exotic prize in the early 20th century.

The word 'shy' in this context is a colloquial English term, meaning 'to throw' or toss.

Popular culture

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The game is celebrated in Fred Heatherton's 1944 music hall song I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts and best known from a recordings and performances by Danny Kaye in the 1950s. More recently the song was used by Disney in the film The Lion King.

See also

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• Aunt Sally

References

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• Wordorigins.org message board retrieved 19th July 2005.

Physical-skill games