Where does "neener neener neener" come from?

[Turpentine]

You all know the song.
"neener neener neener"
This melody usually has improvised lyrics, aimed at the subject of some ridicule.

But where does this tune come from? It goes up and down from high to low notes, and I think it is almost universally known.

That's weird. Does the tune come from some ancient Celtic taunt to drive playful little sprites away, or is it an old Mayan chant to make it rain....
Really, how would you find out who made up this song?

Seriously.

Another variation is "Nya nya nya nya nya..."

[JoeyBlades]

The tune is (or should be) "Ring around the rosie". "Neener" is a more modern variant of "Nah nah". "Nah nah" was used in place of the lyrics either because kids couldn't remember the lyrics or perhaps as a more articulated hum. Search for "Ring around the rosie" and you'll find that it's history is rooted in nursery rhyme and possibly dancing bans, but don't believe the stuff about the plague - it's been well debunked.

It may be used as a song of ridicule today, but originally it was a playful taunt... essentially "you can't catch me".

[Ptahlis]

Well, in any "neener, neener" discussion, I have to mention my favorite variant, sung to the same tune:

Nanny-nanny-boo-boo,
Stick your head in doo-doo!

Attributed, I believe, to Shakespeare, age 4. ;)

[Joe_Cool]

I can tell you where it came from:
Comanche Elementary School - Albuquerque, NM, 1976-1981

That was the first place I ever heard it anyway. :)

Damn, I feel old!

[handy]

It's not in OED. Are you sure you spelled it right?

[Uniball]

Actually, it was made popular by the Three Stooges. But I suppose it came from old Vaudeville acts.

[1967GTO]

The first I ever heard it was about 8 or 10 years ago on some comedy movie. Before that, I'd never heard the phrase.

[Alan Smithee]

Originally posted by JoeyBlades
Don't believe the stuff about the plague - it's been well debunked.
It [b]has[b]?

[Alan Smithee]

[answers own question]
Yep.
By the best (http://www.snopes2.com/spoons/fracture/rosie.htm).

[Snooooopy]

"Neener neener neener" is one of Dave Barry's most hallowed phrases. He uses it almost as much as he suggests great names for rock bands.

[Stimpy]

playing cops and robbers at school, this is the sound of the police siren right?!?

[handy]

Went thru 700 dictionaries & its not there. Hmmmm. Best you could do is try: http://www.neenerneener.net