criss-cross applesauce

Etymology Rhyming on criss-cross, particularly with a word familiar to children and teachers, possibly with similarity to lap forming a bowl. Apparently originated in the 1990s US, as an alternative for Indian style. Compare also traditional children’s rhyming game / massage (rhyme said while touching, tickling, and blowing), which goes: : Criss, cross. Apple sauce. : Spiders climbing up your back. : Spiders here, Spiders there. : Spiders even in your hair. : Cool breeze, : Tight squeeze, : And now you have the shivers. : Brrrrrrr.