You probably know the game “Truth or Dare,” but have you ever wondered where it came from? 🤔 We’ve done our research, so here’s the fascinating history of this game that’s been livening up our gatherings for generations!
Ancient roots
Birth in 16th century England
The history of Truth or Dare goes back much further than you might imagine. Its origins can be traced to England in the 16th century. Back then, the game was called“Questions and Commands” and was mainly played by adults.
Yes, it’s that old! King Louis XIV of France probably played it, and who knows, we might see a game of “Questions and Commands” in Bridgerton someday?
A daring game from the start
The aim of the game was already quite bold : to push participants to reveal their most intimate secrets or perform outrageous challenges. Not so different from our current parties, after all!
A game of “Questions and Commands” depicted by James Gillray, 1788, Public Domain
Evolution of truth or dare through the centuries
First official mention
In France, as early as 1345, there are traces of a similar game called “King Who Doesn’t Lie.” It was considered a “daring game” among children’s street games.
The first written reference to the game “Questions and Commands” appears in a French-English dictionary from 1677, written by Guy Miege. The definition at the time went something like this :
“It’s a game where the person presiding gives each member of the company a certain number of questions to answer and commands to execute, for whatever reason they deem appropriate.”
Truth or dare in literature
The game even made an appearance in literature! In the 1868 novel“Little Women,” we can see the characters playing a version of this game at a party at Camp Laurence.
The game in the modern era
Popularization of the game
It was during the 20th century that the game began to simplify to resemble what we know today. In the 1950s and 1960s, Truth or Dare became a staple of parties and sleepovers around the world. Teenagers started playing this game at parties, and the rules were simplified to allow everyone to participate easily.
Today, Truth or Dare has become a classic party game, particularly popular among teens and young adults. The rules have been simplified, but the spirit remains the same : creating bonds, sharing secrets, and taking on challenges.
