on the bug

[Grant Barrett]

On Jul 9, 2005, at 15:55, Benjamin Zimmer wrote:
> More cites for "the bug"...

And some more (not 100% sure on the first one):

1946 Cullman Banner (Ala.) (Mar. 7) “Buettners Hold Annual Teachers
Banquet” p. 7: In the “Bug” game, Mrs. Donahoo won first and Mrs.
Willoughby took second prize.

1949 Dothan Eagle (Ala.) (May 21) “31 Persons Arrested by Authorities
Here” p. 2: Pleading guilty to a lottery charge today was Pency
Capane, Dothan Negress. The woman was arrested Saturday, along with
another Negro on whom police said they found bug tickets.

1951 Jim Thomasson @ Phenix City, Ala. Ironwood Daily Globe
(Ironwood, Mich.) (May 17) “Alabama City Tames Down” p. 11: Dice
tables are covered in this robust Chattahoochee river town. Slot
machines have disappeared. And if any bug tickets--lottery slips--are
written, they are passed under the counter.

Grant Barrett
gbarrett at worldnewyork.org