National Eye Roll Day

Young woman rolling her eyes with a sassy expression, stylishly dressed in casual clothing, urban city backdrop.. — National eye roll day illustration

Hey there! Get ready to roll your eyes like never before because National Eye Roll Day is here! It's a day dedicated to expressing our frustrations, sarcasm, and disbelief through the universally understood language of the eye roll. So, brace yourself for a day filled with eye-rolling adventures and let's dive into the fascinating history of this unique celebration!

When is Eye Roll Day?

It's national eye roll day on the 3rd May.

The Origin of National Eye Roll Day: From the Eye of the Storm

Just like the eye roll itself, the origins of National Eye Roll Day are shrouded in a cloud of mystery. Its inception can be traced back to the depths of the internet, where countless memes, gifs, and videos captured the essence of our eye-rolling tendencies. The online community embraced this non-verbal form of expression, and soon enough, a dedicated day was born.

On May 3, 2016, the internet was abuzz with eye-rolling content. People from all walks of life, from frustrated office workers to exasperated parents, took to social media to share their eye-rolling moments. The hashtag #NationalEyeRollDay trended, spreading the eye-rolling spirit like wildfire.

How to Celebrate National Eye Roll Day: Mastering the Art of Eye-Rolling

Ready to become an eye-rolling aficionado? Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of National Eye Roll Day:

Practice makes perfect: Spend some time in front of a mirror honing your eye-rolling skills. Remember, precision and timing are crucial!
Share the eye-rolling love: Take to social media and share your favorite eye-rolling memes, gifs, or stories. Spread the eye-rolling vibe with your friends and family.
Eye roll challenge: Challenge your loved ones to an eye-rolling competition. See who can roll their eyes the furthest or with the most dramatic flair.
Movie marathon: Gather some friends, grab some popcorn, and watch movies that feature iconic eye-rolling moments. From sassy teenagers to sarcastic superheroes, there's no shortage of eye-rolling inspiration.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the eye roll has been around for centuries? Ancient Greek playwrights often incorporated eye-rolling gestures into their comedies to highlight mockery and disdain. It just goes to show that eye-rolling is truly a timeless form of expression!

History behind the term 'Eye Roll'

1793

The Birth of the Eye Roll

In 1793, the term 'eye roll' first appeared in the English language. It refers to the act of rolling one's eyes as a form of nonverbal communication. At this time, 'eye roll' was not widely used and didn't have a specific cultural significance.

1735

Origins of the eye roll

The eye roll can be traced back to 1735, when it first appeared in print in the English language. It was used to describe the movement of one's eyes rolling upward or sideways in a disdainful or exasperated manner. This gesture was often associated with a sense of annoyance or disbelief.

1825

Origins of the term 'eye roll'

The term 'eye roll' originated in 1825 and refers to the act of rolling one's eyes upward as a sign of exasperation, annoyance, or disbelief. It is a gesture commonly used to convey a sarcastic or dismissive attitude in response to something perceived as ridiculous or absurd.

1920s

Popularity in silent films

During the 1920s, silent films gained popularity, and the exaggerated expressions of actors became a prominent feature of their performances. The eye roll gesture, with its ability to convey disdain without the need for words, quickly became a popular comedic device in these films. Silent film stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton often used exaggerated eye rolls to elicit laughter from the audience.

19th century

Eye roll in theatrical performances

During the 19th century, the eye roll gained popularity on the theatrical stage. Actors would use this exaggerated gesture to convey various emotions, such as sarcasm, contempt, or disbelief. It became a powerful tool for expressing nonverbal communication and adding comedic or dramatic effect to performances.

1805

The Art of Nonchalant Disdain

As society evolved, so did the meaning and usage of 'eye roll.' By 1805, 'eye roll' had gained recognition as a gesture of nonchalant disdain or contempt. People started using this subtle eye movement to express their annoyance or disbelief in a more sophisticated and socially acceptable manner.

1920s

Silent Film's Influence

The 1920s brought about a major cultural shift in the entertainment industry with the rise of silent films. Actors in silent films had to rely heavily on exaggerated facial expressions to convey their emotions. The 'eye roll' became a popular comedic tool for silent film actors to depict frustration or exasperation, further popularizing the term and gesture.

20th century

Eye roll becomes a cultural symbol

In the 20th century, with the rise of film and television, the eye roll became an iconic gesture in popular culture. It was often associated with characters who were sassy, rebellious, or unimpressed. This nonverbal cue became a shorthand for expressing a range of attitudes, from boredom to annoyance.

1960s

Integration into everyday language

In the 1960s, the term 'eye roll' started to integrate into everyday language as a way to describe a specific facial expression. As Western societies became more open and expressive, eye rolling gained recognition as a non-verbal expression of frustration or disbelief. This period saw the emergence of youth countercultures and the use of eye rolls as a means of ironic communication.

1980s

Eye roll in mainstream media

During the 1980s, the eye roll gained even more prominence in mainstream media. It became a popular trope in sitcoms and comedies, with characters using the eye roll to respond to absurd situations or outrageous comments. This further solidified the eye roll's place as a cultural symbol of sassiness or exasperation.

21st century

Digital proliferation

With the advent of the internet and social media in the 21st century, the eye roll gesture found new life in the digital realm. Emoticons and emojis featuring eye rolls gained popularity, allowing users to convey the gesture in written communication. Memes and GIFs showcasing exaggerated eye rolling became widespread, enhancing the expression's cultural impact and making it a universally recognized symbol of exasperation in the online world.

1960s

Teenage Rebellion and Eye-Rolling

The rebellious youth of the 1960s embraced the 'eye roll' as a symbol of their defiance against authority. Eye-rolling became a way for teenagers and young adults to express their skepticism or dismissal of societal norms. The term 'eye roll' gained even more cultural significance during this era.

1990s

Eye-Rolling Goes Mainstream

With the emergence of pop culture and the widespread availability of television, the 'eye roll' gained mass recognition. It became a commonly used expression featured in movies, TV shows, and even advertisements. Eye-rolling was often used to depict sassiness, teenage female angst, or to add a touch of humor to various scenarios.

Digital Age

Eye roll goes viral

With the advent of social media and internet memes, the eye roll took on a new life in the digital age. GIFs and videos featuring eye rolls became viral sensations, often shared to express frustration or disbelief in online conversations. The eye roll continues to be a popular gesture in online culture, embodying a universal reaction to cringe-worthy or ridiculous content.

Present Day

The Eye Roll Phenomenon

In the present day, the 'eye roll' has solidified its place in popular culture. It has transcended generations and is recognized worldwide as a universal expression of annoyance, disbelief, or sarcasm. From social media memes to everyday conversations, the 'eye roll' continues to play a significant role in our communication.