Ah, tongue-twister. Those fiendish word combinations designed to tie your tongue (and your brain) in knots, and make you say all sorts of silly (and rude) things. So here’s my challenge to you, dear readers …
1. Not in Front of Mother
I’m not the pheasant plucker
I’m the pheasant plucker’s son
And I’m only plucking pheasants
Till the pheasant plucker comes
2. Thhhh … Thhhffff
The thirty-three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday
3. Time for a New Career, Susie …
I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop.
Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits.
4. Battles at Sea …
Many an anemone sees an enemy anemone.
5. Oh, Shoot the Pair of Them …
Ned Nott was shot and Sam Shott was not.
So it is better to be Shott than Nott.
Some say Nott was not shot.
But Shott says he shot Nott.
Either the shot Shott shot at Nott was not shot,
Or Nott was shot.
If the shot Shott shot shot Nott, Nott was shot.
But if the shot Shott shot shot Shott,
Then Shott was shot, not Nott.
However, the shot Shott shot shot not Shott, but Nott.
6. But You Get Three Wishes …
I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won't wish the wish you wish to wish
7. Flor Fluck’s Sake …
A flea and a fly flew up in a flue.
Said the flea, "Let us fly!"
Said the fly, "Let us flee!"
So they flew through a flaw in the flue.
8. I’m Not Even Trying This One …
Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.
It’s not easy, is it – that’s why they’re called tongue-twisters! The best tip, I find, is not to think about it – if you do, then you’re more likely to make mistakes. But I still couldn’t get through all of these – can you?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a tongue-twister?
- A tongue-twister is a phrase that is designed to be difficult to say, especially when repeated quickly and multiple times. It uses similar sounds to make you stumble or get mixed up when you're talking.
- Why are tongue-twisters fun to say?
- Tongue-twisters are fun because they challenge you to concentrate and work on your pronunciation. They can make people laugh when the words get all mixed up.
- Can tongue-twisters help with language learning?
- Yes, tongue-twisters can help improve your pronunciation and speaking skills when learning a new language. They're like a workout for your mouth and brain!
- How do I teach a child a tongue-twister?
- Start with short, simple tongue-twisters. Say them slowly at first, and then gradually go faster. Make it feel like a game to keep it fun.
- What is the classic English tongue-twister about seashells?
- The classic tongue-twister is, 'She sells seashells by the seashore.' It's fun to try and say it quickly without making a mistake.
- Are there tongue-twisters in other languages?
- Yes, tongue-twisters exist in many languages, and they're just as tricky and fun to try as English ones.
- Are tongue-twisters only for children?
- No, tongue-twisters are for everyone! They can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from kids to adults.
- Can tongue-twisters be a party game?
- Absolutely! Saying tongue-twisters can be turned into a party game where each person tries to say one without messing up. It can get pretty funny!
- Do tongue-twisters have to make sense?
- Not really. Some tongue-twisters are just silly phrases made to give your speech muscles a workout. They don't always have to tell a story or make perfect sense.
- How can I make up my own tongue-twister?
- Think of words that sound similar or have the same starting sounds, then put them together in a funny or challenging way. Test it on your friends to see if it’s a good tongue-twister!