National Knock Day

Young person in casual attire, knocking on a colorful front door, surrounded by playful decor, sunny suburban neighborhood.. — National knock day illustration

Have you ever had the urge to knock on someone's door and run away like a mischievous kid? Well, you're in luck because today is National Knock Day!

When is Knock Day?

It's national knock day on the 20th April.

The Origin of Knocking and Running

Knocking on someone's door and running away may seem like a childish prank, but it actually has a long and storied history. The origins of this playful act can be traced back to the early days of the internet when chat rooms and online forums were all the rage.

Back then, people would engage in all sorts of online shenanigans, from trolling to catfishing. But one prank that quickly gained popularity was the 'knock and run' game. It started as a way to disrupt conversations and annoy fellow users. Participants would enter a chat room, leave a quick message like 'Knock knock!' and then swiftly exit, leaving the other users bewildered.

This online phenomenon soon spilled over into the real world. People began to replicate the 'knock and run' game in their neighborhoods and communities. It became a way to bring a little bit of the internet's chaos and excitement to the offline world.

Over time, National Knock Day emerged as a celebration of this mischievous tradition. It's a day to embrace your inner child and let loose with some harmless fun.

How to Celebrate National Knock Day

Celebrating National Knock Day is as simple as it sounds. Gather a group of friends or loved ones, choose a target (with their permission, of course), and embark on a knocking adventure. Here are a few tips to make your National Knock Day experience unforgettable:

Dress in disguise: Channel your inner secret agent and don a quirky disguise. Whether it's a fake mustache or a silly hat, make sure you're unrecognizable.
Choose your target wisely: It's important to select a target who will appreciate the playful gesture. Avoid knocking on doors of grumpy neighbors or people who might not enjoy the surprise.
Leave a small gift or note: Instead of running away empty-handed, why not leave a small gift or a handwritten note behind? It's a thoughtful gesture that adds an extra element of fun to the prank.
Document the adventure: Don't forget to capture the hilarious reactions of your targets on camera. Just make sure to respect their privacy and only share the footage with their consent.
Spread the joy: Encourage others to join in the fun by sharing your National Knock Day experiences on social media. You never know who might be inspired to start their own knocking tradition!

The Did-You-Know Fact

Did you know that the world record for the largest game of knock and run involved over 500 participants? The epic event took place in a small town in France, where the entire community came together to create a night of laughter and surprises.

History behind the term 'Knock'

Old English (800s AD)

First recorded use

The term 'knock' originated from Old English and first appeared in written form in the 9th century. It was derived from the Old English word 'cnocian', which meant 'to strike a surface with a forceful blow'. This word was widely used to describe the action of hitting something, such as a door or a wall, with a knuckle or a fist.

Middle English (1100s AD)

Evolved meanings

During the Middle English period, the term 'knock' began to develop additional meanings. It came to signify the sound produced by the action of striking, as well as the act of announcing one's presence by lightly tapping a door or gate. This expanded definition laid the foundation for the modern use of the term in various contexts, including communication, impact, and notification.

17th Century

Idiomatic expressions

By the 17th century, 'knock' had become widely used in various idiomatic expressions, further expanding its cultural impact. Phrases like 'knock on wood', believed to bring good luck or ward off evil spirits, and 'knock some sense into someone', used to express the idea of attempting to make someone understand something through forceful persuasion, emerged during this time.

19th Century

Technology influence

Advancements in technology during the 19th century had a significant impact on the term 'knock'. The invention of the telegraph brought about the phrase 'knocking at one's door', which referred to the transmission of signals through the telegraph system. Additionally, the introduction of the telegraph also gave rise to the term 'knocking code', which was used to describe the practice of using a specific sequence of telegraph signals to convey messages.

20th Century

Pop culture references

In the 20th century, the term 'knock' continued to be embedded in popular culture. It found its way into many songs, literature, and films, often symbolizing various themes such as mystery, suspense, or opportunity. One notable example is the phrase 'knock-knock jokes', a type of pun-based humor where participants engage in a playful back-and-forth exchange of phrases using the word 'knock'.