Where does the word yo-yo come from?

Discover the fascinating history of the beloved toy that most likely originated in China and then spread to all corners of the world. It is almost certain that playing with yo-yos was practiced in ancient Greece as early as 1000 BC. At the time, the discs were made of materials such as stone, wood and terracotta. In the 18th century, this charming toy was even embraced by French nobility. Inspired by the French verb “jouer,” which means “to play,” they called it “joujou.” At the time, it was seen as a trendy accessory reserved only for the elite. Interestingly, an article about the yo-yo appeared in a scientific journal in the Philippines in 1916, where it was known as “yo-yo.” Some speculate that “yo-yo” in Tagalog, the language spoken in the Philippines, actually means something like “come-come.”