The Surprisingly Risqué Origins of the ‘Rub-a-Dub-Dub’ Nursery Rhyme

Many of the nursery rhymes we grew up singing as children have surprisingly dark or scandalous origins, and “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” is no exception. This innocent-sounding rhyme about three men in a tub was once an adult-themed commentary on the vices of society. Join us as we explore the lewd backstory behind this classic children’s verse.

The Naughty Beginnings of “Rub-a-Dub-Dub”

The earliest known version of the rhyme, dating back to the 14th century, was far from child-friendly. According to Chris Roberts, author of “Heavy Words Lightly Thrown: The Reason Behind the Rhyme,” the original lyrics went:

“Hey! rub-a-dub, ho! rub-a-dub, three maids in a tub, And who do you think were there? The butcher, the baker, the candlestick-maker, And all of them gone to the fair.”

In this iteration, the word “tub” was a euphemism for brothels and other establishments where men could pay to ogle women. The rhyme was essentially a sly jab at the three respectable tradesmen – the butcher, baker, and candlestick-maker – who were caught indulging in unsavory activities.

As Chris Roberts explained to NPR, “British tabloids love stories about respectable tradesfolk […] being caught in places they shouldn’t be caught in.” The rhyme served as a playful form of social commentary, poking fun at the hypocrisy of upstanding citizens engaging in lewd behavior.

Evolution into a Children’s Rhyme

Over time, the salacious origins of “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” were toned down, and the rhyme evolved into a more child-friendly version. By 1842, an iteration appeared that replaced the “three maids in a tub” with “three fools in a tub”:

“Rub a dub dub, Three fools in a tub, And who do you think they be? The butcher, the baker, The candlestick maker. Turn them out, knaves all three.”

This version retained the mention of the three tradesmen but lost the suggestive undertones, instead portraying them as silly fools in a tub. The playful tone and lack of adult themes made it more suitable for children’s entertainment.

The Versatility of “Rub-a-Dub-Dub”

Beyond its nursery rhyme roots, the phrase “rub-a-dub-dub” has taken on various meanings and usages throughout history. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, by the mid-19th century, it became associated with the rhythmic drumming sound or motion, as seen in Thomas Carlyle’s reference to “what rub-a-dub is that?” during the French Revolution.

Additionally, in Cockney rhyming slang, “rub-a-dub” is used as a substitute for “pub,” further demonstrating the phrase’s adaptability and endurance in popular culture.

Nursery Rhymes: Innocent or Not?

“Rub-a-Dub-Dub” is not the only nursery rhyme with scandalous origins. Many beloved childhood verses have roots in everything from royal scandals to religious persecution. For example, “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary” is thought to be a veiled commentary on the Catholic-Protestant conflicts during the reign of Mary I of England, while “Jack and Jill” may allude to the scandalous relationship between King Louis XVI and his wife’s lady-in-waiting.

These risqué origins challenge the perception of nursery rhymes as purely innocent children’s entertainment. They serve as reminders that even the simplest rhymes can carry hidden meanings and social commentaries from bygone eras.

Conclusion

The innocuous-sounding “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” nursery rhyme has a surprisingly lewd backstory rooted in social commentary and adult humor. From its origins as a sly jab at respectable tradesmen engaging in unsavory activities to its eventual transformation into a child-friendly verse, this rhyme has undergone a remarkable evolution.

As we rediscover the scandalous origins of many nursery rhymes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultural references and historical contexts woven into these seemingly simple verses. So the next time you find yourself singing “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” to a child, remember the naughty secrets hidden within its innocent-sounding lyrics.