I Spy

I Spy is a guessing game, frequently played as a car game, and especially associated with family trips. Play begins—sometimes spontaneously—when someone says, “I spy with my little eye something beginning with the letter {letter}” or “I spy with my little eye something {color}.” Other players then have to try to guess the object. When played in the car, the object may not remain in view; the identifier is usually expected to point out when the object has disappeared, and this may render the round null or may act as a clue (especially when playing with younger children). The correct guesser traditionally initiates the next round.

Phrases can be used instead of single words, for instance, “I spy with my little eye something beginning with SLS,” for speed limit sign, but this can complicate matters, especially if a guesser has identified the right object but the wrong phrase.

The game is played in many countries, but the game phrase varies. German speakers ask, “Ich sehe was, was du nicht siehst, und das ist [color]” (I see something that you don't see, and that is…). Spanish colors begin play by saying, “Veo, veo” (I see, I see), and are interrogated by sing-song rote: What do you see? (A thing.) What thing? (A wonderful thing!) What color? ([color], [color]).