National Sick Day

Ah, National Sick Day. The day when entire workplaces turn into ghost towns as one by one, employees mysteriously fall ill. It's like a scene out of a zombie movie, except with less brain-eating and more tissues. Whether it's a genuine day of sniffles or just a well-deserved mental health break, National Sick Day is the perfect excuse to curl up in bed and binge-watch your favorite TV shows. So grab your thermometer and a cozy blanket, and let's dive into the fascinating history of this sneezy holiday!

When is Sick Day?

It's national sick day on the 8th February.

The Origins of National Sick Day

Believe it or not, National Sick Day wasn't actually invented by a sneaky employee trying to score a day off work. No, this delightful day has its roots in the internet. Back in the early days of online communities, a group of friends decided to create a day where everyone could take a break from the daily grind and indulge in some much-needed self-care.

What started as a lighthearted joke quickly gained traction, and before they knew it, people all across the digital realm were celebrating National Sick Day. Soon enough, people started sharing stories of their epic 'sick day' adventures, from Netflix marathons to midday naps that turned into full-blown hibernation.

Celebrating National Sick Day

Now, you might be wondering how to properly celebrate National Sick Day. Well, the key is to embrace the true spirit of relaxation and self-indulgence. Cancel all your plans, turn off your alarm clock, and allow yourself to sink into the depths of pure laziness.

Take the time to catch up on your favorite TV shows, devour that pint of ice cream you've been saving for a special occasion (this is definitely a special occasion), and snuggle up with a good book. And of course, don't forget to take those much-needed naps.

Fun Fact: Sick Days Around the World

Did you know that different countries have their own unique take on sick days? In Japan, there's a concept called 'shakyo,' which roughly translates to 'sick from work exhaustion.' It's a socially acceptable way to take a day off when you're feeling mentally drained from work stress. In Sweden, employees have the luxury of 'vård av sjukt barn,' which means 'care of a sick child.' It allows parents to take time off to care for their sick little ones without using up vacation days.

History behind the term 'Sick'

Old English period (450-1100)

The Old English Roots

The term 'sick' can be traced back to the Old English period, where it originated from the Old English word 'sēoc'. In Old English, 'sēoc' meant 'ill' or 'diseased'. This term was used to describe a state of being unwell or experiencing physical or mental discomfort.

Middle English period (1100-1500)

Expanding Meanings

During the Middle English period, the term 'sick' began to expand its meanings. In addition to referring to physical illness, it started to encompass other aspects of being unwell, including mental distress, discomfort, or even a state of unhappiness. The word 'sick' became more versatile and colloquial.

Early Modern English period (1500-1800)

The Rise of Medical Terminology

In the Early Modern English period, medical knowledge and terminology advanced significantly. This led to an increased use of the term 'sick' specifically in relation to physical ailments. It became commonly used in medical texts and discussions, describing symptoms, diseases, and general unwellness. 'Sick' became strongly associated with physical illness within the medical community.

Modern usage

Evolution and Modern Context

In modern usage, the term 'sick' has evolved to encompass various meanings depending on the context. It can still refer to physical illness, but it is also commonly used to describe something impressive, amazing, or cool. This usage originated from youth slang in the late 20th century. 'Sick' in this sense expresses admiration or excitement, and it has been adopted as a positive term in youth culture and informal language.

Did you know?

Fun Fact: Did you know that different countries have their own unique take on sick days? In Japan, there's a concept called 'shakyo,' which roughly translates to 'sick from work exhaustion.' It's a socially acceptable way to take a day off when you're feeling mentally drained from work stress. In Sweden, employees have the luxury of 'vård av sjukt barn,' which means 'care of a sick child.' It allows parents to take time off to care for their sick little ones without using up vacation days.