roshambo/ˌɹoʊʃæmˈboʊ/EtymologyUnknown. The syllables ro – sham – bo are called out by players to synchronize their timing. Connections to the French surname Rochambeau are a folk etymology, perhaps derived from the vaguely similar Japanese syllables jan – ken – pon.nounSynonym of rock paper scissors.verbTo play a game of roshambo in order to decide a point of contention.“I'll roshambo you for it.”