The Dictionary of English Folklore (2000) lists the rhyme as "common all over Britain, USA, Canada and Australia".
[3] Its origins are unknown, but there seems to be no record earlier than 1885, when it was noted in Nova Scotia, Canada.
[2] Fist counting with similar actions has also been associated with other, quite different, rhymes, both in the UK and in other European countries.
In 1969 Iona and Peter Opie found "One potato, two potato" to be "in constant use" both in the UK and the USA during the 20th century[6] but by 2010, although still very well known, Steve Roud found that it was no longer British children's first choice for counting out.
Each participant initially holds out their hands clasped together, with fingers intertwined.