“Olly Olly Oxen Free” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever heard someone use the term ‘olly olly oxen free’ and wondered what they were talking about? We are going to take a look at what this phrase means and how it can be used in day-to-day conversation. We will also look at the history of the term and where it originally came from.

“Olly Olly Oxen Free” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “olly olly oxen free” is a traditional call used in children’s games, particularly in tag or hide-and-seek, to indicate that players who are hiding can come out without fear of being tagged. It signifies that the game is over, or that it’s safe for players to return to a designated area.
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Olly Olly Oxen Free – Created by 7ESL

“Olly Olly Oxen Free” Meaning

“Olly Olly Oxen Free” is a phrase that is often used in children’s games, particularly in hide-and-seek or other games where one player is “it” and must find the other players. When the game is over or when all players have been found, the player who is “it” may yell “Olly Olly Oxen Free!” to signal to the other players that they are free to come out of hiding and return to the starting point without being tagged.

According to some sources, ranchers would use a similar phrase to call their oxen back to the barn or corral after letting them out to graze. The exact phrase used may have varied depending on the region and the language spoken by the ranchers, but it is possible that “Olly Olly Oxen Free” is a variation of this practice. However, the use of the phrase in children’s games is more commonly known and widespread than its use in ranching practices.

Examples:

  • “After searching for a long time, she called out, ‘Olly olly oxen free!’ to let everyone know it was safe to come out.”
  • “In our game of hide and seek, we would always shout ‘olly olly oxen free’ when we were ready to end the game.”

Origin of This Idiom

The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. Some speculate that it may have been derived from a German phrase, “Alle, alle auch sind frei”, which means “Everyone, everyone is also free“. Others believe that it may have been a way for children to call back their oxen after letting them out to graze.

Regardless of its origin, “Olly Olly Oxen Free” has become a popular phrase in children’s games and is often used as a signal that the game is over and that everyone is safe.

Usage of “Olly Olly Oxen Free”

  • In a game context:

“After hiding for a long time, the kids heard their friend yell, ‘Olly olly oxen free!’ and they all ran out from their hiding spots.”

  • During a nostalgic moment:

“We used to play hide-and-seek in the backyard, and when someone called out ‘olly olly oxen free,’ it was always a rush to come out!”

  • Talking about childhood memories:

“Every time I hear ‘olly olly oxen free,’ it takes me back to summer days spent playing with my friends.”

  • In a playful setting:

“When it was time to end the game, I called out, ‘Olly olly oxen free!’ and everyone came running back to the starting point.”

Related Terms to “Olly Olly Oxen Free”

  • Ready or not, here I come – a common phrase used in games like hide and seek when the seeker is about to begin searching for the hidden players.
  • Come out, come out, wherever you are – an invitation for hidden players to reveal themselves, often used in a playful tone.
  • Safe – a term used to indicate that players are no longer in danger of being tagged or caught in a game.
  • Hide and seek – the game in which “olly olly oxen free” is commonly used, involving players hiding while one player seeks them out.
  • All clear – a phrase that signals it’s safe to come out or proceed.
  • Tag, you’re it – a phrase used in tagging games to indicate that one player has been designated to chase the others.
  • Ninja – sometimes used in games where players must avoid detection, similar to the hide-and-seek theme.
  • Uncle – a term sometimes used in games to signify surrender or safety, indicating that players can stop hiding or running.
  • End of the game – a phrase that signifies the conclusion of play, often allowing players to regroup.
  • Game on – a phrase used to signify the start of play, similar to how “olly olly oxen free” signifies the end of a hiding round.

Other Ways to Say The Phrase

There are other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘olly olly oxen free.’

Here are some examples of things you might say which would mean the same thing.

  • You can come out now
  • All ye out come in free

“Olly Olly Oxen Free” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement being made by a child playing hide and seek.

  • ‘OK, I give up, olly olly oxen free.’

Here is a statement which is being made by a teacher.

  • ‘The students were playing hide and seek but when break time was over they called olly olly oxen free.’

Conversation Examples

If you are curious to know how the term ‘olly olly oxen free’ would work in a conversation. Here are some examples of things you might hear.

The first conversation is taking place between two parents at the playground.

  • Person 1: “The children are playing hide and seek.”
  • Person 2: “Yes but I don’t think that little Billy will find all of his friends.”
  • Person 1: “He can always call olly olly oxen free if he wants to give up.”

This conversation is happening between some children.

  • Person 1: “Shall we play hide and seek?”
  • Person 2: “OK, you hide. one, two three, ready or not here I come.”
  • Person 1: “You’ll never find me.”
  • Person 2: “You’re right, olly olly oxen free.”
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