Well, even earlier than that, I heard the version that goes:

Three cavemen were about to be bludgeoned to death.

The first was hit with a stone, and said "ug!" He lived, and was allowed to go.

The second was hit by a stone, and said "OOgh!" He lived and was allowed to go.

The third one said to the executioner: "You will need a larger stone than that."

Herring405