National Hump Day

A group of office workers in casual attire enjoying a mid-week break, with smiles on their faces and a sense of camaraderie. Some are holding coffee cups and others are sharing a funny meme on a laptop. The scene is set in a vibrant office with colorful decorations. Each person has added their personal touch, like a small plant or a motivational quote poster. The clothing styles range from comfy sweaters to graphic tees and jeans. It's a celebration of Hump Day, where colleagues come together to recharge and encourage each other. . — National hump day illustration

We'll forgive you for thinking that National Hump Day has something to do with camels (spoiler alert, it doesn't). Actually, Hump Day is all about acknowledging that midpoint in the week when the weekend still feels too far away. It's a day of celebration, where surviving half the work week merits recognition and perhaps, a little treat for oneself.

When is Hump Day?

It's national hump day on the 18th August.

What's the Big Deal?

Throughout the vast expanses of the internet, National Hump Day has carved out quite a niche. By our very scientific and not-at-all arbitrary calculations, there have been 633 mentions of this mid-week marvel. All those shout-outs reached a crescendo on 18th August 2016. We're not sure exactly why this date was the standout, but we like to imagine that every office worker worldwide simultaneously decided they deserved a break.

The Heritage of Hump Day

Contrary to popular belief, Hump Day doesn't pay homage to camels or any other well-endowed creatures of the animal kingdom. Instead, it's a nod to the universal feeling of Wednesday weariness when the previous weekend is a distant memory, and the next one is still over the hill (or hump, if you will). It's an opportunity to pause, take a breath, and celebrate making it halfway through your week!

Celebrating the Not-So-Humble Hump Day

Everyone does Hump Day differently. Some people treat themselves to their favorite lunch, others share a cheeky midweek meme, and the truly daring might sneak out of work a bit early. Take it as a day to rejoice the small victories, remind yourself you're doing great, and muster the energy to finish the remainder of the work week strongly. You're almost there!

History behind the term 'Hump'

15th century

The origin of the term

The term 'hump' has its origins in the 15th century English language. It was derived from the Middle English word 'humpen' which meant to bend or arch one's back. This term was often used to describe the physical action of lifting or carrying a heavy load, causing a person's back to curve.

18th century

Hump as a metaphorical term

By the 18th century, the term 'hump' began to be used more metaphorically to describe an unpleasant or burdensome task or situation. Just like carrying a heavy load can be physically strenuous, a 'hump' also referred to any difficult or challenging endeavor.

19th century

Hump day

In the 19th century, the term 'hump day' emerged, referring specifically to Wednesday, the middle day of the workweek. It signified getting over the metaphorical hump of the first two days and approaching the weekend. 'Hump day' became a popular term among workers, symbolizing relief and anticipation for the upcoming days of rest.

20th century

Hump day in popular culture

In the 20th century, 'hump day' gained even more recognition through its appearance in popular culture. Various books, TV shows, and movies referenced 'hump day' as a marker of progress and an opportunity to look forward to the end of the workweek. It became a term often associated with office humor and the desire for the weekend.

21st century

Hump day as a social media phenomenon

With the advent of social media in the 21st century, 'hump day' experienced a resurgence in popularity. Memes, gifs, and hashtags celebrating 'hump day' emerged across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. People began sharing humorous content and using the term as a way to alleviate mid-week stress and create a sense of unity among online communities.

Did you know?

Did you know that 'Hump Day' earned its moniker from the idea that Wednesday is the 'hump' people have to get over to coast into the weekend? Just sharing this fun fact might make your Wednesdays a bit less humdrum!