// The unwitting thief // 11.07.12
The 'victim-turned-thief' is usually a woman, although some versions starring a man do exist. She's journeying by train or bus, and at the point where she has to change routes, she stops in the station's cafeteria.
The presumed thief is always male and usually described as 'Black', 'West Indian', 'a punk', or in some fashion that would brand him as one not aware of social custom or not inclined to follow it. It's worth noting that he is almost always a marginal and at least vaguely threatening figure, while the true cookie snatcher is positioned as one who is normally above reproach.
The item 'shared' between the two varies: cookies (biscuits), a chocolate bar, a bag of potato chips. The man often offers the old bat the last piece.
Sometimes the 'victim' enacts a final piece of revenge before storming off: she takes a bite out of the donuts or drinks the water the other had in front of him.
Later they discover the contested item in their pocket.
The 'victim-turned-thief' is usually a woman, although some versions starring a man do exist. She's journeying by train or bus, and at the point where she has to change routes, she stops in the station's cafeteria.
The presumed thief is always male and usually described as 'Black', 'West Indian', 'a punk', or in some fashion that would brand him as one not aware of social custom or not inclined to follow it. It's worth noting that he is almost always a marginal and at least vaguely threatening figure, while the true cookie snatcher is positioned as one who is normally above reproach.
The item 'shared' between the two varies: cookies (biscuits), a chocolate bar, a bag of potato chips. The man often offers the old bat the last piece.
Sometimes the 'victim' enacts a final piece of revenge before storming off: she takes a bite out of the donuts or drinks the water the other had in front of him.
Later they discover the contested item in their pocket.
