Smear the Queer is a rough playground game where one kid is “it”—the “queer”—and everyone else tries to tackle that person. Once the “queer” is caught or throws the ball away, another player becomes the new “it,” and the chase starts again.
Kids usually shout “Smear the Queer!” to start the game during recess or in the yard. They pick whoever’s holding the ball or a random friend, yell the name, and run after them. It’s fast, chaotic, and ends when the bell rings or everyone’s too tired.
Meaning & Usage Examples
– “Let’s play Smear the Queer—Max has the ball!”
– The “queer” is simply the target; no one thinks about the literal meaning of the word.
Context / Common Use
Mostly played by elementary or middle-school boys on a field. Because the name sounds offensive today, many schools now call it “Tackle the Carrier” or “Maul Ball.”
Is the name still okay to use?
No. Teachers and parents usually ask kids to use a different name because “queer” can hurt LGBTQ+ feelings.
Do you need special equipment?
Just any soft ball or football. No pads, no gear—just open space.
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