National Boodle Day

Young adults smiling while enjoying a delicious boodle feast, beach setting, wearing colorful beachwear and trendy sunglasses.. — National boodle day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Boodle Day! Get ready to dive into the fascinating history and crazy celebrations of this unique day.

When is Boodle Day?

It's national boodle day on the 13th September.

The Birth of Boodle Day

Every September 13th, people across the internet come together to celebrate National Boodle Day. But what exactly is boodle, you might ask? Well, my friend, prepare to have your mind blown!

Boodle, in its simplest form, refers to a lavish Filipino feast where food is placed on banana leaves instead of plates. It's a grand display of delectable dishes that will make your mouth water just thinking about it. From savory meats to flavorful vegetables, boodle represents the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of the Philippines.

Legend has it that National Boodle Day was born when a group of food enthusiasts stumbled upon an old recipe book hidden deep within the digital archives of the web. They uncovered a treasure trove of boodle-inspired dishes and decided to share their newfound love for this unique dining experience with the world. And thus, National Boodle Day was officially declared!

Boodle Day Celebrations

On this special day, food lovers from all corners of the internet gather around virtual tables to partake in the boodle extravaganza. You'll find social media feeds flooded with mouthwatering boodle spreads, complete with hashtags like #BoodleGoals and #BananaLeafLove.

Some enthusiasts take it a step further by organizing boodle-themed picnics, inviting friends and loved ones to indulge in the delicious array of Filipino delicacies. From crispy lechon to tasty adobo, every bite is a celebration of flavor and friendship.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at creating your own boodle feast. Gather your favorite Filipino recipes, lay out banana leaves as makeshift tablecloths, and invite your friends for an unforgettable foodie experience. Just make sure you have enough napkins to go around!

Did You Know?

Did you know that boodle fights are a popular tradition among the Philippine military? These epic feasts are a way for soldiers to bond and share a meal together. It's a true display of camaraderie and teamwork, as everyone digs in with their hands and enjoys the food in unity. Talk about a delicious battle!

History behind the term 'Boodle'

1833

Origin in American English

The term 'boodle' can be traced back to the early 19th century in America. It originated in American English as a slang word used to refer to money or wealth. The exact etymology of the word is uncertain, but it likely derived from the Dutch word 'boedel,' meaning property or possessions. 'Boodle' as a slang term gained popularity among the lower classes and eventually became well-known across the nation.

1865

Origins in the American Civil War

The term 'boodle' can be traced back to the American Civil War in 1865. It originally referred to a large sum of money or stolen goods. During this time, soldiers would often loot and pillage during battles, and the term 'boodle' became associated with their ill-gotten gains.

1865

The American Civil War Ends

In the year 1865, the American Civil War came to an end, bringing about significant changes in the country. The war resulted in a considerable number of soldiers returning home, many of whom were destitute and unemployed. This led to the creation of boodle, a term that would soon become associated with ill-gotten gains or corruption.

1840

Dutch Origins

The term 'boodle' is believed to have originated from the Dutch word 'boedel,' which means 'property' or 'estate.' This term was often used to refer to a person's total possessions or the collective assets of a group.

1873

Boodle in American Politics

By the year 1873, the term boodle had become widely used in American politics. It referred to the practice of using bribes or illicit funds to gain political advantage or secure favorable treatment. Boodle soon became firmly embedded in the political lexicon, representing the corrupt practices prevalent at the time.

1860

American Politics

In the late 19th century, 'boodle' became associated with American politics, particularly in the context of bribery and corruption. It referred to illicit money or gifts given to influential politicians or public officials in exchange for favors or preferential treatment.

1870

Boodle as political slang

By the 1870s, 'boodle' had evolved in meaning. It started being used in political slang to refer to bribes or illicitly gained money used for political purposes. In this context, 'boodle' represented the corrupting influence of money in politics and was often associated with political machines and corruption scandals.

1870s

Political Connotation Emerges

In the 1870s, the term 'boodle' took on a new connotation in American politics. It began to be associated with corrupt practices, specifically referring to illicit money or bribes given to politicians. This usage emerged during a time of rampant political corruption, particularly in urban areas. The term 'boodle' became widely recognized as a symbol of dishonesty and illicit financial dealings within the political realm.

1880

Boodle as a slang term for wealth

During the late 19th century, 'boodle' took on another meaning and became a slang term for wealth or a large amount of money in general. It was used to describe someone who was rich or living a lavish lifestyle. This usage of 'boodle' reflected the fascination and obsession with wealth and material possessions in the Gilded Age.

Early 20th Century

Expanding into Organized Crime

By the early 20th century, 'boodle' had expanded its meaning to encompass ill-gotten gains in the world of organized crime. It became a term associated with the proceeds of illegal activities, such as gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging. Criminal organizations used 'boodle' to refer to the money earned through their illicit operations. The term added an element of underworld mystique, creating a connection between financial gain and criminal activities.

1875

Tammany Hall's Influence

During the late 1800s, Tammany Hall, a powerful political machine in New York City, widely employed the term 'boodle' to describe the funds used for political patronage and bribery. Tammany Hall was notorious for its corrupt practices, and 'boodle' became a synonymous term for their illicit activities.

1887

McClure's Magazine and the Exposure of Boodle

In 1887, McClure's Magazine, a prominent investigative journalism publication, played a significant role in exposing the depth of boodle in American politics. Through their exposés and articles, McClure's shed light on the corrupt activities of politicians and their involvement in illegal schemes. This led to increased public awareness of boodle and further cemented its association with political corruption.

1940s

Boodle as a Slang for Miscellaneous Items

In the 1940s, 'boodle' underwent yet another evolution in its meaning. It began to be used as a colloquial term for a miscellaneous collection of items. This usage likely derived from the sense of 'booty' meaning stolen goods or plunder. In this context, 'boodle' could refer to an assortment of diverse objects or things. It became a versatile slang term used to describe an eclectic mix of possessions or an assortment of various goods or products.

1880

Boodle Clubs

In the 1880s, 'boodle' took on a new meaning with the emergence of 'boodle clubs.' These private clubs were essentially social establishments where politicians and businessmen gathered to discuss political strategies and engage in bribery and corruption. 'Boodle' became strongly associated with the secretive and unethical practices prevalent within such clubs.

20th century

Boodle in popular culture

Throughout the 20th century, 'boodle' continued to be used in various contexts, including literature, music, and film. It often appeared in crime novels and gangster movies, portraying the illegal acquisition of money. The term also made its way into popular songs, further solidifying its place in the cultural lexicon.

20th Century

Popularization of Boodle as a Slang Term

As the 20th century progressed, boodle transitioned from being solely associated with political corruption to a more general slang term for illicit gains or money obtained through questionable means. It became a common term in informal conversations, used to describe ill-gotten wealth or personal acquisitions of uncertain origin. Boodle's usage expanded beyond the political sphere and into everyday language.

Present Day

Legacy and Modern Usage

Today, the term 'boodle' continues to be used in various contexts and retains its associations with money and corruption. It has become part of the collective cultural lexicon, offering a colorful and evocative way to discuss wealth, bribes, organized crime proceeds, or a hodgepodge of miscellaneous items. 'Boodle' serves as a reminder of both the dark side and the diverse linguistic tapestry that permeates American English.

20th Century

Generalized Meaning

As the 20th century progressed, the term 'boodle' expanded beyond its political connotations and became more widely used to refer to any ill-gotten gains or undeserved profit acquired through dishonest means. It became a general term for unscrupulous money or possessions obtained through bribery, corruption, or fraudulent activities.

Present Day

Boodle in Modern Culture

In modern culture, boodle continues to signify illicit gains or corruption. Its historical connection to American politics has left a lasting impact on the term's usage. Boodle is frequently employed in discussions surrounding political scandals, economic corruption, or any activity involving dishonest acquisition of wealth. This slang term has become ingrained in popular culture, serving as a reminder of the persistent challenges of integrity and transparency.

Present day

Boodle as a lesser-known term

In present-day usage, 'boodle' is less commonly known than it once was. It has faded from mainstream slang but still exists in some regional dialects and pockets of popular culture. Despite its decline, 'boodle' remains an interesting linguistic relic, representing a bygone era of corruption, wealth, and the influence of money on society.