"trick or treat"

General_Ricardo   Monday, October 25, 2004, 22:52 GMT
what does the term "trick or treat" mean?
Willy   Monday, October 25, 2004, 23:10 GMT
''book'' or ''bwauk''. Does anyone want some candy? That's why I ever thought of a spelling reform.
Tiffany   Monday, October 25, 2004, 23:54 GMT
I'm not sure of the actual origin of the phrase, but I always thought it referred to whether or not a person gave children a treat (I guess candy nowadays, but I'm sure it wasn't so back in the day), or trick them and give them something bad. I always thought so because it's a phrase you say on halloween, the day before All Saints Day, when the wicked (spirits, ghosts and witches) are all supposed to be out. So you're hoping they don't trick you!
Jim   Tuesday, October 26, 2004, 02:00 GMT
I always thought it meant "Give us a treat or we'll play a trick on you."
Ed   Tuesday, October 26, 2004, 02:58 GMT
<<I always thought it meant "Give us a treat or we'll play a trick on you." >>

That's exactly what it means