Nursery rhyme Rub-a-Dub Dub Three Men in a Tub based on gay men?

LONDON - The popular nursery rhyme ‘Rub-a-Dub Dub Three Men in a Tub’ has been suggested to have originally described three gay men.

According to a study of its origins, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick-maker may have been indulging in a more salacious activity, the Telegraph reported.

Albert Jack, the author of a new book, said that the tub referred to a peep show that was a popular adult attraction at travelling fairs.

He also pointed out that the original 15th century rhyme was: “Rub-a-dub dub three maids in a tub, and who do you think were there? The butcher, the baker, the candlestick-maker, and all of them gone to the fair”.

And added that the rhyme was sanitised by Victorians. (ANI)