It seems to be a seasonal thing - a bit like conkers. I teach primary as a supply (relief) teacher and come across GIRLS playing it every so often. The boys don't seem to.

When I was at college 30 years ago I did my drama special study on playgroung games and I occasionally get the children to do some written work on the current ones. I've found that the skipping and clapping rhymes that are done have change over the years to reflect the current morals/situations,eg they no longer turn their back on the washing machine now they show their knickers to the football teams!! but that basically they are the same as I learnt.

However I can't keep up with the speed they do them now - I'm putting it down to old age :-)!