This Little Piggy Went to Market

History & Origin

"This Little Piggy Went to Market" is one of the oldest and most widely known toe-counting rhymes in the English language. The rhyme is traditionally performed by touching or wiggling each of a baby's toes in turn, starting with the big toe and working along to the little toe, which runs home crying "wee wee wee." The physical element makes it a favourite for early parent-child interaction.

The earliest known printed version appears in 1728, in a collection of rhymes published in London. The five piggies — one heading to market, one staying home, one eating roast beef, one eating none, and one running home — have no obvious allegorical meaning; they appear to be a simple piece of counting verse, memorable for its rhythm and its pleasing final line.

The "wee wee wee" of the final piggy is usually delivered with great enthusiasm, and often accompanied by tickling, which ensures that the rhyme is received with the appropriate level of delight. It is one of the first songs many children learn, and its simplicity gives it a warmth that never fades.