National Stick Your Tongue Out Day

Young child sticking their tongue out, wearing a colorful shirt, playground setting, surrounded by laughing friends.. — National stick your tongue out day illustration

Do you ever feel like sticking your tongue out at the world? Well, guess what? There's a whole national day dedicated to doing just that! It's called National Stick Your Tongue Out Day, and it's the perfect excuse to let loose and show off your silly side. So, get ready to wag your tongue like nobody's watching and join in the tongue-sticking-out extravaganza!

When is Stick Your Tongue Out Day?

It's national stick your tongue out day on the 20th July.

The Origins of National Stick Your Tongue Out Day

Believe it or not, the origins of National Stick Your Tongue Out Day can be traced back to early internet culture. Back in the early 2000s, when people were still figuring out this thing called the World Wide Web, goofy and silly behavior started gaining popularity. One of the simplest and most universally recognized gestures of silliness is sticking out one's tongue. It became a playful way to show off a carefree and mischievous spirit.

As more and more people jumped on the internet bandwagon, they began to discover ways to connect and celebrate their shared interests. National Stick Your Tongue Out Day was born out of this internet culture, where people found joy in celebrating the absurd and the silly. It quickly spread across various online communities and became a beloved tradition.

How to Celebrate National Stick Your Tongue Out Day

Celebrating National Stick Your Tongue Out Day is as simple as it sounds. All you have to do is find a mirror, stick out your tongue, and have some fun! But why limit the fun to just yourself? Encourage your loved ones, friends, and even co-workers to join in the tongue-wagging fun. Organize a friendly competition to see who can stick their tongue out the furthest or for the longest duration. Remember, it's all about letting go of inhibitions and embracing your inner goofball!

If you're feeling extra creative, you can capture your best tongue-sticking-out moments with a selfie or a video, and share them on social media with the hashtag #StickYourTongueOutDay. Who knows, your silly antics might just go viral and bring a smile to people's faces around the world!

Did You Know?

Did you know that sticking out your tongue is actually a common gesture in many cultures? While it's often associated with playfulness, it can also have various meanings depending on the context. For instance, in some cultures, sticking out one's tongue is a sign of defiance or mockery. So next time you stick your tongue out, remember to channel your inner mischievous spirit and spread some joy!

History behind the term 'Stick Your Tongue Out'

1600s

The Expression Began Taking Shape

During the 1600s, the phrase 'stick your tongue out' had its origins rooted in the English language. It started taking shape as a way to express mockery or defiance. People would extend their tongue outward as a gesture to show disdain or ridicule towards someone or something.

300 BC

Ancient Beliefs

In ancient times, it was believed that the tongue was the source of life force and had spiritual significance. In many cultures, sticking out the tongue was considered a gesture to ward off evil spirits and protect oneself from harm. It was also believed to be a way to communicate with supernatural beings.

1800s

Emergence of the teasing gesture

During the 19th century, children began using the act of sticking their tongues out as a playful way to taunt or tease each other. This lighthearted gesture quickly gained popularity among youngsters and became a common form of friendly banter.

13th century

The origins in medieval Europe

The term 'stick your tongue out' can be traced back to medieval Europe. During this time, it was a common practice for people to make mocking gestures towards their enemies by sticking out their tongues. This act was considered an insult, meant to show contempt or ridicule.

1870

First recorded usage

The term 'stick your tongue out' was first recorded in 1870. It refers to the act of extending one's tongue outside of the mouth as a form of expression or gesture. This simple action has been used in various cultures throughout history, often conveying playful defiance or teasing.

18th Century

Children Adopt the Gesture

In the 18th century, the act of sticking one's tongue out gained popularity among children. It became a playful and mischievous gesture used to tease or taunt each other. Children would often engage in friendly competitions to see who could stick their tongue out the farthest or for the longest duration.

1920

Associated with childishness

By the 1920s, the act of sticking one's tongue out became closely associated with childish behavior, often seen as a mischievous or impudent act. Children, in particular, embraced this gesture as a way to mock or express their rebelliousness. The term started to gain popularity and cultural significance during this time.

16th century

The tongue as a sign of defiance

As the practice of sticking out one's tongue as an insult continued, it became more widely associated with defiance and disobedience. The act of sticking out one's tongue was seen as a way to show rebelliousness and challenge authority.

Early 1900s

Expression of defiance

As time progressed, sticking one's tongue out took on a more defiant tone. It became a gesture of defiance, showing contempt or disapproval towards someone or something. This cheeky act allowed individuals to express their rebelliousness in a non-verbal manner.

17th Century

Insults and Mockery

During the 17th century, the gesture of sticking out one's tongue started to become associated with insults and mockery. It was used as a way to express disdain, disrespect, or ridicule towards someone. This gesture was often seen as rude and offensive.

1960

Influenced by pop culture

During the 1960s, the term 'stick your tongue out' gained even more prominence due to its association with influential pop culture figures. Musicians like Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones and Gene Simmons of Kiss were known for their onstage antics, which often included sticking their tongues out. This further popularized the gesture and made it an iconic symbol of rebellion and rock 'n' roll culture.

19th Century

Children's Play

In the 19th century, sticking out the tongue took on a new meaning in the context of children's play. It became a playful gesture used by children to tease or taunt each other. The act of sticking out the tongue evolved into a mischievous and light-hearted expression, often accompanied by making funny faces.

19th century

The association with children

During the 19th century, the act of sticking out one's tongue started to become more closely associated with children. It became a playful gesture used among youngsters to tease or mock their friends. This association with childhood behavior helped popularize the term 'stick your tongue out' in everyday language.

19th Century

Gesture Transcends Cultural Boundaries

The 19th century witnessed the gesture of sticking one's tongue out transcending cultural boundaries. It spread to various parts of the world, adapting to different languages and customs. This simple act of defiance or jest became a universal means of nonverbal expression.

1950s

Celebrity influence

Influential figures began employing the tongue-sticking gesture in the entertainment industry, contributing to its popularization. One notable example is the iconic musician, Elvis Presley, who often stuck his tongue out during performances, accentuating his charismatic and provocative image. This exposure in the limelight helped cement the gesture as a symbol of rebellion and audacity.

20th Century

Pop Culture Influence

During the 20th century, the act of sticking out the tongue gained popularity and became a common element in pop culture. It started to be associated with rebelliousness, defiance, and irreverence. Public figures, musicians, and artists used the gesture as a symbol of their unconventional attitudes and non-conformity.

1990s

Youth culture and communication

With the advent of the internet and digital communication, sticking one's tongue out took on a new life. The popularization of emoticons and emojis allowed people to express themselves in written form, and ':-P' or ':-Þ' became common representations of sticking one's tongue out online. This digital adaptation facilitated the widespread use and understanding of the gesture across various cultures and generations.

1990

Internet era and emoji representation

With the rise of the Internet and the advent of digital communication, the term 'stick your tongue out' took on new forms of expression. The development of emojis allowed people to convey the gesture using small digital images. The 'winking face with tongue out' emoji 🤪, introduced by Unicode in 1990, became a popular way to represent the act of sticking one's tongue out in online conversations.

20th century

Iconic usage in pop culture

In the 20th century, the act of sticking out one's tongue gained further prominence in popular culture. One of the most iconic examples is the rock musician Mick Jagger, who often stuck out his tongue during performances. Jagger's rebellious image and frequent display of his tongue contributed to the growing cultural visibility of the gesture.

20th Century

Pop Culture Incorporates the Gesture

As the 20th century unfolded, the gesture of sticking one's tongue out found its way into pop culture. It appeared in movies, cartoons, and comic strips, often serving as a comedic device to convey silliness or cheekiness. This widespread exposure solidified the gesture's place in modern popular culture.

Present day

A playful expression of silliness

Today, 'stick your tongue out' has become a widely recognized phrase representing a playful and light-hearted expression of silliness. It is often used in contexts where someone wants to convey a sense of humor or playfulness. Despite its origins in insult and defiance, the term has evolved to symbolize a harmless and whimsical act.

Present Day

Digital Era's Emoticon Representation

In the present day, the term 'stick your tongue out' has taken on a new dimension in the digital era. With the advent of emojis and emoticons, the gesture is now represented by the iconic '😛' face. This easily recognizable symbol has become a shorthand way for people to convey playfulness, joking, or light-hearted teasing in online communication.

21st Century

Internet Memes

In the 21st century, the term 'stick your tongue out' has taken on a new dimension with the rise of the internet and social media. It has become a popular emoji and an element of various internet memes. The gesture is now often used to convey playfulness, silliness, or a light-hearted response in digital communication.

Present day

Universal symbol of playfulness

Today, sticking one's tongue out has evolved into a universally recognized symbol of playfulness, humor, and light-heartedness. It is often used in a joking manner, conveying silliness, or in a flirtatious context. Whether as a physical act or a digital representation, the gesture continues to bring joy and laughter to people of all ages.