There are things that we do so automatically that we don’t even stop to think about why. One of them is draw lots, with a coin, for example, heads or tails. Where does this practice come from? why do we say heads or tails?
Who deals the cards? Who chooses the movie tonight? Almost everything can be decided by tossing a coin.
Why do we say heads or tails?
According to historians, the origin of this game dates back to ancient Romewhen coins were used to know the design of the gods. At that time, instead of heads or tails, it was said: ‘navia aut caput’ (ship or head)
This game was a method used to make decisions. The coin is tossed into the air by one of the participants or by an innocent hand and while it is in the air, or before tossing it, one of the participants says their choice to guess which side will face up.
Today it is still used both informally and formally, for example, in football matches. The coin toss is done at the start of a football game to determine which team has possession of the ball. It also occurs for the same reason at the start of an overtime.
How to say ‘heads or tails’ outside of Spain
In Mexico it is said: eagle or sun
In Honduras: face or shield or shield or letter
In Argentina: face and mint
Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Peru: face or seal
The Savior: face or crown
In Italy: Italy: head or croce
In English: heads or tails
In French: pile ou face
Source: Lasexta
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
