<P> In the simplest play, the string is intended to be wound on the spool by hand; The yo - yo is thrown downwards, hits the end of the string, then winds up the string toward the hand, and finally the yo - yo is grabbed, ready to be thrown again . One of the most basic tricks is called the sleeper, where the yo - yo spins at the end of the string for a noticeable amount of time before returning to the hand . </P> <P> Many yo - yo tricks are done while the yo - yo is said to be sleeping . One of the most famous tricks on the yo - yo is "walk the dog". This is done by throwing a strong sleeper and allowing the yo - yo to roll across the floor, before tugging it back to the hand . English historical names for the yo - yo include bandalore (from French) and quiz . French historical terms include bandalore, incroyable, de Coblenz, emigrette, and joujou de Normandie (joujou meaning little toy). </P> <P> Webster's Collegiate Dictionary states that the word "yo - yo" likely derives from the northern Philippine Ilocano language word "yóyo". </P> <P> A Greek vase painting from 440 BC shows a boy playing with a yo - yo (see right). Greek records from the period describe toys made out of wood, metal, or painted terra cotta (fired clay). The terra cotta disks were used to ceremonially offer the toys of youth to certain gods when a child came of age--discs of other materials were used for actual play . </P>

How did the yo yo get its name