This game inaugurated a craze that “scandalized the puritanical and drove chiropractors wild with delight”
On the March 13, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “Games,” and the clue was:
“This game inaugurated a craze that ‘scandalized the puritanical and drove chiropractors wild with delight’.”
What is Twister?
Twister is a physical skill game that gained widespread popularity after its launch in the 1960s. The game challenges players to place their hands and feet on colored circles according to the directions given by a spinning wheel. As the game progresses, players often find themselves in awkward and physically challenging positions, leading to plenty of laughter and social interaction.
The Rise of Twister and Its Controversy
Twister was introduced in 1966 by game designer Reyn Guyer and brought to market by Milton Bradley. Initially called “Pretzel,” the game was rebranded and launched as Twister, but it struggled to gain traction until it received national attention. A pivotal moment came when Johnny Carson played Twister with actress Eva Gabor on The Tonight Show in May 1966. Their playful interaction on live television immediately propelled the game to mainstream success.
The phrase in the Final Jeopardy clue—“scandalized the puritanical”—refers to the controversy that surrounded Twister’s physical nature. Some critics believed the game encouraged inappropriate physical contact, particularly between men and women, making it controversial in more conservative circles. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Twister became a massive hit, selling millions of copies within its first year.
How Twister Changed Party Games
Before Twister, most party games involved cards, dice, or board pieces, with little to no physical interaction. Twister broke new ground by introducing a game that required direct physical movement and interaction, making it unique in the industry. The game was marketed as a fun and lighthearted way for people to engage socially, particularly at gatherings and parties.
Chiropractors “delighting” in the game, as mentioned in the clue, is likely a humorous reference to the fact that Twister often forces players into physically demanding positions that can lead to slips, falls, or muscle strains. The game’s design encourages flexibility, balance, and coordination, but it can also lead to moments of unintentional clumsiness.
Twister’s Enduring Popularity
Despite its early controversies, Twister has remained a staple of American pop culture for decades. The game has been continuously reissued in new editions, including oversized versions, glow-in-the-dark adaptations, and even digital versions. It has also been referenced in television shows, movies, and pop culture events, further cementing its legacy as one of the most recognizable party games.
Twister’s success demonstrates how a simple concept—using the human body as the playing piece—can have a lasting impact on the gaming industry. While it may have been seen as scandalous in the 1960s, today, it is widely recognized as a classic game that brings people together for fun and laughter.