How Many 'Chuggas' Come Before 'Choo Choo'? Business Insider

The Great 'Chugga Chugga' Debate: How Many Is Too Many?

How Many 'Chuggas' Come Before 'Choo Choo'? Business Insider

By  Joshua Cronin

Is there a definitive answer to childhood's most perplexing question? Absolutely not, and that's precisely why the internet has erupted into a full-blown debate over the 'correct' number of "chuggas" before you say "choo choo." What started as a seemingly innocent query has ignited a firestorm of opinions, proving that some questions are best left unanswered, or at least, fiercely argued over on Reddit.

The controversy began innocently enough. On March 20, 2019, at 9:59 am PDT, a parent, using the handle @baption0, bravely ventured into the "too afraid to ask" subreddit. Her question? How many chuggas are you supposed to say before choo choo? She elaborated, Ive always said two, but now my kid is saying three. This simple confession opened Pandoras Box, unleashing a torrent of opinions, musical theories, and deeply held childhood memories.

Category Details
Question Origin Reddit's "too afraid to ask" subreddit
Date of Initial Post March 20, 2019
User Who Asked Question @baption0
Question How many 'chuggas' are you supposed to say before 'choo choo'?
Most Popular Answers Two, Four, Eight, Twelve
Upvotes Received 27,000+
Comments Received 3,000+
Related Debates Rhythm in speech, train sound effects
External Link Reddit

The internet, as it often does, took this question and ran with it. Some users claimed that one "chugga" was simply unacceptable, while two felt slightly lacking. The sweet spot, according to many, resided in the realm of eight "chuggas," delivered with alternating emphasis for maximum effect. Others argued for the power of twelve, claiming that anything less simply didn't capture the true essence of a locomotive in motion. One user, da_anh, even introduced physics into the equation, asking, [i]f 2 trains leave the station at the same time traveling opposite directions and one travels at 4 chuggas..." The implications were staggering. What is the effect of the number of "chuggas" on velocity?

And then there were the purists, the rhythm aficionados who insisted that it all comes down to musical theory. One commenter, clearly well-versed in 4/4 time, declared, "Im no expert at music theory but if were working in 4/4 time, each chugga/choo is a quarter note, so 6 chuggas and 2 choos fits nicely into two full notes." This brought a whole new dimension to the debate, suggesting that the number of "chuggas" wasnt just a matter of personal preference, but a fundamental question of timing and beat.

The "chugga" debate even spilled over into other corners of the internet. A mom on Facebook ignited a similar firestorm of opinions within her group, proving that the question transcends platforms and demographics. A Reddit user even expressed his displeasure with his child's teacher, who apparently only uses one "chugga" before the "choo choo." The outrage was palpable. This wasn't just about train sounds; it was about the very fabric of childhood, the sanctity of tradition, and the proper way to imitate a locomotive.

Of course, no internet debate is complete without a healthy dose of hyperbole. One user warned that "the choo choo you get immediately after the 12 chuggas is likely to break nearby windows, render nuclear materials inert and shake the very foundations of society to their core." Others suggested that anything beyond twelve was subject to the law of diminishing returns and should be banned outright. Clearly, the stakes were high.

But amidst the chaos and the conflicting opinions, a few guiding principles emerged. Several commenters pointed out the importance of multiples of four. It's gotta be a multiple of four, one declared. Another added, "I will judge you if you only use four but at least you've got the rhythm down pat." And then there was the commenter who believed in the power of witnessing a real train in action: "I believe you've seen a train in the wild if you hit the necessary four (4) chuggas required to operate a standard locomotive."

Personal preferences, of course, remained paramount. "Personally i'm an eight man myself," one commenter confessed. Others were more adventurous, suggesting combinations like "4 chuggas, 2 choos, then intervals 12 chuggas and 2 choos." The rationale? "The initial 4 chuggas are to show movement, and the 2 early choos are just for flavour and set the tone."

But the debate also touched on the subtle nuances of train speed and intensity. "Some say the standard chugga grouping should be 8, but this implies a slow train." And then, the ultimate declaration of commitment: "Real men chugga hard and choo harder."

Ultimately, the "chugga" debate is more than just a silly internet argument. It's a testament to the power of collective memory, the enduring fascination with childhood sounds, and the human need to find order and meaning, even in the most absurd of situations. Whether you're a two-chugga traditionalist, an eight-chugga enthusiast, or a twelve-chugga maximalist, one thing is clear: the "choo choo" will never sound the same again.

Consider, for instance, the impact of dialect. As one astute observer noted, "This just gets funnier once you realise that in some dialects, the slang term to chug means to drink quickly, as in the taxi is here guys, chug your beers and let's get to the concert." This adds a whole new layer of interpretation to the debate, suggesting that the number of "chuggas" might also be a reflection of one's enthusiasm.

The debate, it seems, will rage on, fueled by nostalgia, personal preference, and the occasional dose of internet absurdity. Perhaps the best approach is to embrace the ambiguity and let your inner child guide you. After all, as one commenter wisely suggested, "Next time you ride the dollywood express, count how many chuggas come before choo choo and let us know what you think!"

Ultimately, the great "chugga" debate reveals something fundamental about human nature. We crave order, we seek consensus, and we are deeply invested in the seemingly trivial details of our shared cultural experiences. So, the next time you find yourself imitating a train, take a moment to consider your "chugga" count. You might just be contributing to one of the greatest debates of our time.

And if you're still unsure, remember the words of Charlie the Unicorn: "I go by charlie the unicorn." In other words, there are no rules, only possibilities. Chugga away, my friends, and let your "choo choo" ring out with the force of a thousand internet opinions.

Or perhaps, as another commenter eloquently put it: "How many chuggas come before choo choo choo prove it chugga chugga choo choo i think that's wrong okay will do you think differently how many chuggas come before choo choo i would say six maybe six sure why not prove it chugga chugga chugga chugga chugga chugga choo choo you know that kind of sounded pretty good okay that was good steven." The sound, ultimately, is the proof.

And maybe, just maybe, the perfect number of "chuggas" is the number that brings you the most joy. After all, as one commenter astutely observed: "I think at 6 it might be time to reconsider your chugging budget." Perhaps the real question isn't how many "chuggas," but how much joy they bring.

How Many 'Chuggas' Come Before 'Choo Choo'? Business Insider
How Many 'Chuggas' Come Before 'Choo Choo'? Business Insider

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