The popular lawn game known as Cornhole involves players tossing fabric bags at a raised wooden platform with a hole cut near the top. The game’s unique and descriptive name is a direct result of the physical components used in its traditional form. Understanding the name requires looking at the literal materials, the game’s historical evolution, and its popularization in the American Midwest.
The Literal Components: Corn and Hole
The name Cornhole is a straightforward combination of the two most defining physical elements of the game. The first part, “Corn,” refers to the traditional and original filling of the small, square bags that players toss. Historically, these bags were filled with dried corn kernels, which provided a specific weight and texture necessary for a proper throw and landing on the board. The corn filling was an economical and readily available material, especially in the agricultural regions where the game gained popularity.
The second part of the name, “Hole,” describes the target on the inclined wooden platform. The goal is to toss the bag through the hole cut into the board, which scores the highest number of points. While modern bags often use plastic resin pellets for durability and weather resistance, the original name based on the corn kernels has persisted.
Historical and Etymological Roots
The precise historical moment the name “Cornhole” was formally adopted remains unclear, but its roots are tied to the game’s development in the United States. A similar game was described in an 1883 patent for “Parlor Quoits” by Heyliger de Windt, which featured bean bags and a slanted board with a square hole. This patent, however, did not use the name “Cornhole” and is not definitively linked to the modern game’s title.
The name likely evolved from a simple, regional description used by players in the Midwest, particularly in the Ohio Valley area, including Cincinnati and Kentucky. In this region, where corn was abundant, the phrase “tossing corn bags into a hole” naturally shortened to “Cornhole.” The game experienced a significant resurgence and popularization in the late 20th century, especially in these Midwestern states.
This regional popularity in the Midwest propelled the descriptive name into the national spotlight. As the game spread from backyard gatherings and tailgates, the name “Cornhole” traveled with it, becoming the recognized term for the activity.
Regional Names and Modern Usage
Despite the national standardization of the name, the game is still known by many different regional titles across the country. In the Chicago area and parts of the Northeast, for example, it is frequently referred to as “Bags” or “Bean Bag Toss.” Other common alternative names include “Baggo,” “Tailgate Toss,” and “Sack Toss.”
The dominance of “Cornhole” as the official and most recognized name is attributed to its association with the game’s epicenter in the Midwest. As the game grew into an organized sport with leagues and tournaments, the regional name became the standard. Organizations like the American Cornhole Organization adopted the term, solidifying its place as the official title.