New York City, 38. Never heard the term, but, interestingly, “invented” it independently when doing that to my own children.
I opened this thread, curious to see what the world thought “underdogging” was, and was shocked to discover it’s exactly what I use it for, and I never knew the term was already out there.
West central Ohio, 70’s and I was in high demand for underdogs since I was tallest in my group of friends. Also, our park had old equipment - the top bar for the swingsets were over twelve feet high; nothing sissy about getting underdogged above the bar and the chains going slack at that height.
SW Burbs of Chicago, 70’s. We did it, but we didn’t call it that. We didn’t call it anything. At least that I can remember. Only recognize the name from the cartoon.
I’d never heard it called that until we had kids and our friend did it. I’m 40 and from Boston, she’s 47 and from NJ.
Northern NY in the sixties. Never heard of this term or this game. Our stupid swing trick was to swing while standing in the seat and then jump off when it got going fast enough. Bruises ensued.
Grew up in the 90s in New York state. Definitely recognize it - it was very popular at my day camp. Also, shouting “Underdoooogggggg!” as you did it.
North suburb of Chitown, same period. I don’t recall us calling it anything either, but I do remember shouting “Underdog!” a la the cartoon when doing it. I don’t think I knew or cared why.
East Central Illinois, 70’s. “Underdog” as a noun - knew it, did it, LOVED 'em! It was the only way to fly!
Grew up in northern CA in the 80s, and we used it as a noun, too. And some kids shouted “Underdog!”, some didn’t.
I can’t recall if we called it underducking or underdoggin, but I think it was the former.
Southern suburbs of Chicago, mid 60s to mid 70s.
SW WI in the 80’s
Yup, common term.
40, grew up in New York State, just learned what it means with this thread.
I suspect “underducking” may have evolved into “underdogging” once the cartoon became popular.
Wow, so many Michiganders here!
I grew up in Michigan in the 80’s as well and I know the term.
Thanks for the clarification. Again, SE PA and NJ, never heard the term. We certainly engaged in this activity, but it wasn’t so novel as to warrant a name.
Thanks for all the responses so far. Ignorance fought!
Born in 1968, grew up in western KS, and we called it “underdogging.”
ETA - I guess I should have read the whole thread. Now that I think about it, we did use it as a noun.
Southern Ontario, child in the 60s, never heard the expression or saw such a practice.
Central Illinois, grew up in the 70’s. It was commonplace, both the word and the activity.
NW PA, 70s, we also called it underduck.