Here are the main theories:
* Misinterpretation of "Telephone": The game was originally known as "telephone" in English-speaking countries. The name "Chinese whispers" likely arose from a misunderstanding or a humorous exaggeration of the game's process, associating it with the perceived "unintelligibility" of the Chinese language. This theory is supported by the fact that the game was known as "telephone" in other countries, but not in the UK.
* Association with Chinese Culture: Some believe the name arose from the cultural practice of "passing the message" in Chinese culture, which emphasizes the importance of transmitting information accurately. However, there's no historical evidence to support this connection directly.
* Influence of Colonialism: The name may have emerged from the colonial era's fascination with the "exotic" East and a tendency to misrepresent Chinese culture. The "whispers" aspect could have been tied to the perceived "mysterious" or "inscrutable" nature of the Chinese language.
Regardless of its true origins, the name "Chinese whispers" has become ingrained in the game's history and is widely recognized as a playful, if potentially insensitive, moniker.
It's important to note that the term "Chinese whispers" is considered offensive by some due to its inherent bias and stereotyping. Many people prefer to use alternative names like "Telephone" or "Broken Telephone" to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.