National Thankyou Day

A diverse group of people, wearing colorful attire, gathering around a table with thank you cards and gifts, in a vibrant, festive setting.. — National thankyou day illustration

Get ready to raise your gratitude game because it's National Thank You Day! This special day is dedicated to showing appreciation to the people who make your life sweeter, from loved ones to coworkers and everyone in between. So, grab your heartfelt cards, warm up your vocal chords, and prepare to spread the love with some good old-fashioned 'thank yous'!

When is Thankyou Day?

It's national thankyou day on the 24th November.

The Internet and National Thank You Day

As with many other national holidays, the exact origins of National Thank You Day are a bit of a mystery. It seems to have emerged organically, with people seizing the opportunity to express their gratitude on social media and through various online platforms.

Social media has played a significant role in popularizing National Thank You Day. In the past, people would typically show their appreciation through more traditional means, such as thank-you cards or in-person gestures. However, the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has provided a new way to connect and express gratitude.

Nowadays, it's not uncommon to see heartfelt posts and messages flooding timelines on National Thank You Day. People take to their keyboards to publicly thank the special individuals in their lives, whether it's a shout-out to a parenting figure, a beloved teacher, or even an inspirational pet!

Expressing Gratitude in the Real World

While the internet has certainly made it easier to express gratitude, National Thank You Day isn't just an online phenomenon. It also serves as a reminder to show appreciation in our day-to-day lives.

There are countless ways to say 'thank you' beyond the confines of the digital realm. You can write a heartfelt note, treat someone to a delicious meal, or even surprise them with a small gift. The key is to make the gesture personal and meaningful.

Remember, a little gratitude goes a long way. Whether it's acknowledging a favor, a kind word, or a loving gesture, expressing your thanks can make someone's day and strengthen the bonds between you.

Did You Know?

Did you know that studies have shown expressing gratitude can have numerous positive effects on both your mood and overall well-being? So, not only does National Thank You Day benefit the recipients of gratitude, it's also a fantastic opportunity to boost your own happiness!

History behind the term 'Thankyou'

700 AD

Old English Greetings

In the 8th century AD, the Old English phrase 'þancian þē' was commonly used as a form of expressing gratitude. It can be roughly translated to 'to give thanks to' and was used to show appreciation or acknowledge something one was grateful for.

12th century

Origins in Old English

The term 'thankyou' traces its roots back to the Old English word 'þoncian,' which means to give thanks or express gratitude. In the 12th century, the word 'thankyou' emerged as a combination of the Old English word 'þonc' (thanks) and the verb 'ian' (to give).

1475

'Thankyou' Emerges from Middle English

In the year 1475, the term 'thankyou' made its first appearance in the English language. Derived from Middle English, which was the form of English spoken from around 1100 to 1500, 'thankyou' was initially used as an expression of gratitude or appreciation.

1565

The Shakespearean Influence

During the Elizabethan Era, the famous playwright William Shakespeare popularized the term 'thankyou' in his renowned play, 'Much Ado About Nothing.' The phrase 'Thank you' was used as an expression of gratitude between characters, and its usage became ingrained in the English language.

1557

First recorded use of 'thank you'

The term 'thank you' can be traced back to 1557, where it was first recorded as a way to express gratitude. It is believed to have derived from the phrase 'I thank you,' which was commonly used in English at the time. 'Thank you' was a simple and concise expression of appreciation that quickly gained popularity among English speakers.

1565

The Birth of 'Thankyou'

The term 'thankyou' originated in 1565, derived from the combination of the words 'thank' and 'you.' 'Thank' is derived from the Old English word 'thanc,' meaning gratitude or thanks, while 'you' is a second-person pronoun indicating the person being addressed. Thus, 'thankyou' came into existence as a way to express gratitude towards someone.

1250

Origins in Old English

The term 'thankyou' can be traced back to Old English, where the words 'þancian' and 'þanc' were used to express gratitude or thanks. These Old English words evolved from the Proto-Germanic word 'thankōną,' which means 'to think, to feel gratitude.'

1000

Old English roots

The term 'thankyou' can be traced back to the Old English word 'Þancian,' which means to give thanks or express gratitude. In Old English, this term was commonly used to acknowledge an act of kindness or appreciation.

1565

Introduction to the English Language

During the 16th century, the Modern English language began to take shape, and the word 'thankyou' started gaining popularity as a way to express gratitude. It became a common phrase used by English speakers to convey appreciation and acknowledgment.

1755

Growth in Usage

In 1755, 'thankyou' began to gain popularity as a formal expression of gratitude. This was partly due to the publication of Samuel Johnson's 'A Dictionary of the English Language,' which included the term 'thank you' as a recognized phrase in English. The dictionary's widespread use contributed to the term's acceptance and adoption in both spoken and written communication.

1671

Documented in Writing

The term 'thankyou' was first documented in writing by John Ray, an English naturalist who compiled various English words and expressions in his book 'A Collection of English Words Not Generally Used.' This publication further solidified the usage of the term in written English.

14th Century

The Evolution of 'Thank you'

During the 14th century, the English language went through various linguistic changes. The phrase 'þancian þē' evolved into 'thank you,' combining the Old English 'þancian' (to thank) and 'þē' (you). This simplified form gradually gained popularity and became the commonly used expression of gratitude.

1400

Middle English adaptation

During the Middle English period, the word 'Þancian' evolved into 'thanken.' This change was a result of the linguistic shifts that occurred during this time. 'Thanken' had a similar meaning to its Old English predecessor, still referring to expressing gratitude.

Etiquette rules in the 18th century

Rise in social etiquette and courteousness

During the 18th century, social etiquette and manners became increasingly important in Western society. It was customary to express gratitude and acknowledge acts of kindness or favors through the use of 'thank you.' This practice helped foster a more polite and civilized culture.

1670

The Phrase Evolves with Modern Spelling

It wasn't until the late 17th century that the phrase 'thankyou' took on its modern spelling. As the English language evolved, standardized spelling became more common, and 'thankyou' emerged as the accepted form of expressing gratitude.

1565

Thankyou as a Verb in English

In 1565, the term 'thankyou' became recognized as a verb in the English language. It was used to convey the act of expressing gratitude or appreciation to someone for a favor, kindness, or gift received. This marked an important step in the evolution of 'thankyou' as both a term and a gesture of appreciation.

1843

Expansion of 'Thankyou'

The expansion of 'thankyou' as a single word rather than separate words ('thank' and 'you') can be traced back to 1843. Charles Dickens popularized the contraction 'thankyou' in his novel 'A Christmas Carol.' This literary work showcased the term and its usage, further embedding it in the English language.

1672

Thankyou Note Tradition

The tradition of writing thank-you notes began to take shape in the 17th century. Thanks to advancements in paper production and increased literacy, people started to express their gratitude in writing. Thank-you notes became a popular way to acknowledge and appreciate the kindness or generosity of others, adding a more personal touch to saying 'thankyou.'

1825

Thank-you letters gain popularity

In the early 19th century, writing thank-you letters became a common practice. People would express their gratitude in a formal and detailed manner, often by hand-writing personal letters to acknowledge gifts or acts of kindness. The art of writing thank-you letters reflected a deeper appreciation for others and their actions.

1575

Thankyou becomes Thank you

Around the late 16th century, 'thankyou' started to be written as two separate words, 'thank you.' This change in spelling allowed for a clearer understanding of the word's meaning and made it easier to incorporate into written English.

1825

Formalization of 'Thank You'

The formalization of the term 'thankyou' occurred during the early 19th century. It became recognized as an acceptable way to express appreciation or gratitude. This formalization led to its inclusion in dictionaries and further solidified its place in everyday language.

1671

First Recorded Use

The term 'thankyou' was first recorded in written form in 1671, in a book titled 'Meditations and Devotions' by Sir Thomas Browne. This marks an important milestone in the history of the word, as it solidified its usage and existence in English literature.

1650

Written Usage in Correspondence

Thank you began to appear in written correspondence during the mid-17th century. As letter writing became more prevalent, people started using 'thank you' to express their appreciation in a formal manner. The phrase spread through written communication, helping establish its place as a polite and courteous expression.

1760

'Thankyou' Becomes a Widely Recognized Term

During the 18th century, 'thankyou' became a widely recognized term, gaining popularity throughout English-speaking countries. As the world became more interconnected through trade and cultural exchanges, the term spread and was adopted across different regions.

1670

Thank you gains popularity

Throughout the 17th century, the term 'thank you' gained widespread popularity and became a common expression of gratitude in both spoken and written English. It was a courteous way of appreciating acts of kindness or favors.

1900s

Informalization of 'Thankyou'

As the 1900s approached, 'thankyou' became more commonly used in informal contexts. The rise of casual conversations, relaxed social norms, and the influence of modernization gradually made 'thankyou' a standard expression of gratitude in everyday interactions between friends, family, and acquaintances. The trend of informalization continues to this day.

1840

Formalization and Standardization

In the 19th century, with the rise of etiquette and social norms, the expression of gratitude became more formalized. 'Thankyou' became the accepted way to politely acknowledge favors, gifts, or acts of kindness. Its usage became ingrained in social interactions and correspondence.

19th Century

Wider Usage and Formalization

Throughout the 19th century, 'thank you' became more commonly used in everyday conversation. The phrase became firmly embedded in English language and culture, representing the expression of gratitude and politeness. Its usage became formalized and expected in various social situations, further solidifying its place in the collective vocabulary.

1827

Thankyou Cards

In 1827, the first commercially produced thank-you cards were introduced. These cards featured pre-printed messages expressing gratitude, allowing individuals to convey their appreciation more conveniently. With the advent of thank-you cards, the act of saying 'thankyou' became more standardized and accessible to a wider audience.

1960

Popularization of 'Thank You'

In the 1960s, with the rise of global communication and popular culture, the variation 'thank you' gained significant prominence. The two-word phrase became more prevalent, especially in American English, and continues to be the most commonly used form of expressing gratitude today.

1900

Global Adoption

With the increasing reach of British and American colonial influence, the term 'thankyou' began to spread globally. British and American English, along with their cultural impact, popularized the usage of 'thankyou' in various regions across the world.

20th century

Thank-you notes and cards become popular

As communication methods advanced in the 20th century, the popularity of sending thank-you notes and cards grew. This allowed people to express their gratitude more conveniently and quickly. Thank-you cards became a staple in many households, especially for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and holidays.

2020

Thankyou in the Digital Age

In the modern digital age, 'thankyou' has not only remained prevalent but has also taken on new forms. With the rise of social media and online communication platforms, 'thankyou' now extends beyond traditional text and can be conveyed through emojis, GIFs, and virtual thank-you cards. This evolution reflects the adaptability of language in response to technological advancements.

1969

Thankyou as a Compound Word

The term 'thankyou' gained recognition as a compound word in 1969. It was included in the Oxford English Dictionary as a single word, signifying its widespread usage and cultural significance. 'Thankyou' continued to evolve over the years, adapting to various forms of communication, including emails, text messages, and social media posts.

20th Century

Global Adoption

With the rise of modern communication and globalization in the 20th century, 'thank you' transcended cultural boundaries and became the universal way of expressing appreciation. The phrase 'thank you' is now recognized and understood in various languages and cultures, making it one of the most globally recognized expressions of gratitude.

Present

'Thank You' in the Modern Era

In the present day, 'thank you' remains a vital part of social etiquette and is used to convey appreciation in various contexts. It has become deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world and is considered a fundamental expression of gratitude.

1940

Globalization and Spread

As English became an international language, 'thankyou' transcended borders and reached a global audience. It became a universally recognized term for expressing gratitude, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. Today, 'thankyou' is understood and used in countless languages around the world.

1990s

Electronic thank-you messages

With the advent of the internet and email, the tradition of sending handwritten thank-you cards began to shift. Electronic thank-you messages became a popular alternative, offering a quicker and more convenient way to express gratitude. The ease of sending electronic messages led to an increase in the frequency of expressing thanks, as people could thank others more regularly and easily via digital platforms.

1970

Modern Usage and Etiquette

During the late 20th century, there was a renewed focus on politeness and etiquette in society. 'Thankyou' became an essential part of daily interactions and cemented its place as a way of showing appreciation and respect. Today, it is a universally recognized term that transcends cultural boundaries.

1841

Thank you in literature

The phrase 'thank you' became a significant part of literature during the 19th century. Writers such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen incorporated the expression into their novels. This literary presence further solidified the cultural importance of 'thank you.'

Present

Continued Importance and Variation

In the present day, 'thankyou' remains an essential part of human interaction, demonstrating appreciation and fostering positive relationships. The word has also seen variations in spelling, such as 'thank you' or 'thanks,' depending on cultural preferences or contextual usage.

1946

Thank you becomes universal

After World War II, the term 'thank you' gained global recognition and became universally understood as a gesture of appreciation. The war brought people from different cultures together, and 'thank you' became a common language to express gratitude across borders.

Present

Continued usage and evolution

Today, 'thank you' remains an essential phrase in various languages and cultures. It is universally recognized as a way to show appreciation and gratitude. Over time, the expression has also transformed into abbreviations like 'thanks' or 'thx' in informal communication, reflecting the evolving linguistic landscape.