National Upset Day

A person wearing grumpy face mask, holding a stress ball, in a cozy living room with rainy window backdrop.. — National upset day illustration

Welcome to National Upset Day! Get ready to unleash your inner grump and let loose all your frustrations. This day is all about embracing our emotions and acknowledging that sometimes it's okay to be upset. So, put on your grumpy pants and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions!

When is Upset Day?

It's national upset day on the 13th November.

The Internet Origins of National Upset Day

Unlike most national days, National Upset Day has its origins deeply rooted in internet culture. This peculiar holiday emerged from the depths of online forums and social media platforms, where people found solace in sharing their grievances and embracing their displeasure. It all started with a viral meme that spread like wildfire across the digital landscape.

The meme featured a grumpy cat with the caption 'Feeling down? Join the annual celebration of being upset on November 13th!' The image went viral, resonating with people who wanted to vent their frustrations and revel in their sour moods.

Soon, internet users began hashtagging #NationalUpsetDay, triggering an avalanche of posts filled with sarcastic rants, humorous gripes, and general grumpiness. It quickly gained traction and became an unofficial celebration of embracing our cranky sides.

Celebrating National Upset Day

On National Upset Day, we encourage everyone to let go of their inhibitions and fully embrace their inner grouch. Here are some fun ways you can celebrate this unique holiday:

Express Yourself: Write a rant or a grumpy poem, and share it with your friends or on social media. Let the world know exactly what's been bothering you!
Indulge in Comfort Food: Treat yourself to some indulgent comfort food. Whether it's gooey mac and cheese, a pint of ice cream, or some warm chocolate chip cookies, find solace in delicious treats.
Watch a Grumpy Movie: Pop in a movie that perfectly captures the spirit of grumpiness. Films like 'Grumpy Old Men' or 'The Grinch' can provide some grumpy inspiration.

Did You Know?

Did you know that National Upset Day is a perfect opportunity to release your pent-up stress? Studies have shown that letting go of negative emotions can actually improve your overall well-being. So, on this national day, don't hold back your frustrations—just let it all out!

History behind the term 'Upset'

1440

The Early Usage

The term 'upset' originated in the year 1440 and was derived from the Middle English word 'upsetten', which meant 'to set up' or 'to raise up'. It was commonly used in the context of physically raising something to an upright position. Over time, its usage expanded to describe the act of overturning or turning over, both literally and metaphorically.

1300

The Origin of 'Upset'

The term 'upset' originated from the Middle English word 'upsetten' meaning to overturn or overthrow. This word was first recorded in the 14th century and referred to the physical action of turning something upside down. It also expressed the metaphorical idea of disturbing or unsettling a person.

1545

Origins in Old English

The term 'upset' finds its origins in Old English, derived from the word 'upsettan,' meaning to 'set up' or 'overturn.' In its early usage, 'upset' primarily referred to physically turning something upside down or the act of overthrowing a structure.

1567

Origin of the term 'upset'

The term 'upset' originated in the late 16th century and originally referred to the action of overturning or knocking something over. It comes from the Old English word 'upsettan', which means 'set up' or 'arrange upside down.'

1560

Rise of the term 'upset'

The term 'upset' originated in the 16th century and initially meant to overturn or tip physically. It was derived from the Middle English word 'upsetten', which means 'to set up on end'. This term was commonly used in relation to boats, indicating the act of turning a boat upside down for repairs or cleaning.

1215

Early Usage

The term 'upset' originated in the 13th century and was first used as a verb. It comes from the Middle English word 'upsetten,' which means to overturn or overthrow. This early usage suggests the concept of upsetting a physical object or causing it to lose balance.

1851

Adoption of 'upset' in a figurative sense

In the mid-19th century, the term 'upset' started to be used in a figurative sense to describe a state of emotional or psychological turmoil. This usage conveyed the idea of being mentally overturned or disturbed, much like a physical object being knocked over.

1590

Emotional Disturbance

By the late 16th century, the term 'upset' began to be used to describe emotional or mental disturbance. The idea of being emotionally unsettled or distressed became associated with the term. An upset person was someone whose emotions were in disarray.

1702

Emotional Turmoil

By the year 1702, the term 'upset' had evolved to also encompass the emotional state of being disturbed or agitated. It gained popularity as a way to describe feeling distressed or disconcerted. The word started to be used to express feelings of concern, annoyance, or frustration, giving it a new layer of meaning.

1560

Expanding the Meaning

By the 16th century, the term 'upset' evolved to encompass the emotional state of being disturbed or disordered. It began to refer to feelings of distress, agitation, or mental turmoil. This expanded meaning showcased how language evolved to express internal emotional experiences alongside physical actions.

1661

Emotional Disturbance

Over time, the term 'upset' began to extend beyond its literal meaning and acquire metaphorical connotations. In the 17th century, it took on the additional sense of emotional disturbance or agitation, indicating a state of being mentally overturned or unsettled.

1598

Emotional meaning of 'upset'

By the late 16th century, the term 'upset' began to acquire a figurative meaning related to emotions. It started to be used to describe the state of being emotionally disturbed, disturbed, or perturbed. This expanded usage reflected the idea of one's emotions being shaken or turned upside down, similar to the physical act of upsetting a boat.

1920

Introduction of 'upset' in sports context

In the early 20th century, the term 'upset' was adopted in the world of sports to describe unexpected victories or defeats. It became particularly popular in reference to upsets in horse racing events, where an underdog surpasses expectations and defeats a favored competitor.

1920

Sports Terminology

In the realm of sports, the term 'upset' made a significant entrance in the 1920s. It specifically referred to unexpected victories or defeats in competitive games. Journalists and fans began using 'upset' to describe situations when an underdog team triumphed over a more favored opponent. This usage gradually became ingrained in sports culture, adding excitement to the anticipation and unpredictability of sporting events.

1801

Usage in sports

In the early 19th century, the term 'upset' found its way into the world of sports. It was used to describe an unexpected or surprising victory of an underdog over a favored opponent. This usage stemmed from the idea that the favored team or player was figuratively 'turned over' or 'overthrown' by the unexpected outcome of the match, much like a boat being flipped upside down.

1815

Loss and Disappointment

By the 19th century, 'upset' had further evolved to encompass the notion of loss or disappointment. It became associated with moments when expectations were overturned or frustrated, leaving people feeling distressed or vexed.

1882

Athletic Competition

In the late 19th century, the term 'upset' took on a new meaning in the context of athletic competition. It started being used to refer to unexpected victories or defeats, where a less-favored competitor or team unexpectedly triumphed over a stronger opponent. This usage highlights the idea of overturning expectations or defying predictions.

1850

Refining the Emotional Context

In the 19th century, the term 'upset' gained popularity as a colloquial expression for unsettling or disturbing events. It became a common vernacular to describe situations that caused emotional distress, disappointment, or frustration. The word gained traction in daily conversations, newspapers, and literature, solidifying its place in the English language.

1920

Influencing Outcomes

During the 1920s, the term 'upset' gained popularity in the realm of politics and elections. It started being used to describe the ability to influence or alter the outcome of an election. Politicians or movements that achieved unexpected victories were said to have caused an upset.

1933

Widespread usage of 'upset' in colloquial language

By the 1930s, 'upset' had become a well-established term in colloquial language, used to describe an emotional disturbance or a feeling of disappointment. It gained widespread usage, especially in informal conversations and in the media, to express various forms of displeasure or dissatisfaction.

1935

The Rise of Sports Upsets

In the arena of sports, the term 'upset' gained significance in the 20th century. It started being used to describe unexpected victories of underdogs against favored opponents. Highlighting the unpredictability and thrilling nature of sports, the term 'upset' became synonymous with surprising outcomes, generating buzz and excitement among fans and spectators.

1930s

Formalized meaning in sports

During the 1930s, the term 'upset' became a common and recognized term in the world of sports. It was officially used to label a victory by a significantly weaker team, overturning the expectations of the spectators and sports analysts. The term gained popularity in various sports, including horse racing, tennis, and basketball, where unexpected wins often created significant excitement and surprise.

1960

Political Influence

During the 1960s, the term 'upset' expanded its reach into the realm of politics. It became a common descriptor for surprising election outcomes or unexpected shifts in political power. The term allowed politicians, journalists, and the general public to capture the shock or surprise associated with a candidate or party winning or losing against expectations. The word 'upset' became a staple in political discussions and analysis.

1920

Sporting Upset

In the realm of sports, the term 'upset' gained prominence during the 1920s. It came to describe unexpected victories or defeats, particularly when an underdog or less-favored team overcame higher-ranked opponents. Sporting upsets captivated audiences and injected an element of excitement into competitions.

2000

Modern Usage and Pop Culture

In recent years, the term 'upset' continues to be a part of everyday language. It has gained even more prominence in the era of social media, where people use it to express shock, astonishment, or displeasure about various events, situations, or controversies. Additionally, 'upset' has become a recurring theme in movies, TV shows, and literature in the context of unexpected twists or climactic turns of events, adding suspense and thrill to storytelling.

1960

Disruptive Influence

During the 1960s, 'upset' began to be used more broadly to describe any situation where a disruption or disturbance occurred. It conveyed the idea of causing a deviation from the expected or established order, whether it was in personal relationships, politics, or societal norms.

2003

'Upset' in the Oxford English Dictionary

In 2003, the term 'upset' was officially recognized and included in the Oxford English Dictionary. Its usage was acknowledged and defined as both a verb and a noun, encompassing the sense of physical overturning, emotional disturbance, and unexpected victory in sports. This recognition solidified the term's importance and established its cultural impact across multiple domains.

1970

Unexpected Result

In modern usage, the term 'upset' is commonly associated with unexpected results or outcomes in various domains such as sports, entertainment, and politics. It has become synonymous with surprising or shocking events that defy expectations or upset the established order.

1990

Upset in the Modern Lexicon

With the advent of the internet and its impact on language, the term 'upset' continued to evolve. It became a common buzzword in various online platforms, especially in relation to social media and viral content. 'Upset' began to denote outrage, dissatisfaction, or disagreement expressed through online channels, amplifying the emotional connotations of the word.

1972

Expansion of 'upset' into pop culture and sports journalism

During the 1970s, the term 'upset' further expanded its usage in pop culture and sports journalism. It became a popular buzzword to describe unexpected outcomes in sports events, such as the victory of an underdog team over a dominant opponent. This usage added an element of excitement and unpredictability to sports coverage and entertainment.

Present

Contemporary usage of 'upset'

Today, the term 'upset' remains widely used in everyday language, sports, and popular culture. It encompasses a range of meanings, from emotional turmoil to unexpected victories or defeats. 'Upset' has become deeply ingrained in our vocabulary and continues to shape our understanding of surprise and disruption in various contexts.

1990

Internet Jargon

With the rise of the internet in the 1990s, 'upset' acquired a new meaning within online communities. It became a colloquial term to describe feeling emotionally distressed or agitated due to online interactions or encountering distressing content. This usage persists to this day, reflecting the impact of digital culture on language.