National Blackmail Day

A person cautiously looking over their shoulder, holding an envelope, with a city skyline in the background, dressed in stylish noir fashion.. — National blackmail day illustration

Welcome to the mysterious and scandalous world of National Blackmail Day! Get ready to dive into the dark side of human nature as we explore this intriguing national day.

When is Blackmail Day?

It's national blackmail day on the 13th January.

The Origins of National Blackmail Day

On this curious day, we celebrate the art of blackmail... or do we? Contrary to what you might think, National Blackmail Day is not a day to promote or engage in nefarious activities. It's actually a lighthearted observance that pokes fun at the concept of blackmail.

So, how did this unusual day come to be? Well, it all started on January 13, 2017, when internet users began playfully sharing stories, jokes, and memes related to blackmail. It quickly gained momentum and spread like wildfire across social media platforms.

No one knows for sure who first came up with the idea of National Blackmail Day, but its popularity grew due to the hilarious absurdity of celebrating something so morally questionable in an innocent and humorous way. After all, it's always more fun to laugh at our fears and anxieties than to let them control us!

How to Celebrate National Blackmail Day

Now that you're aware of the true nature of this day, it's time to embrace the spirit of playful mischief and celebration. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Surprise your friends or loved ones with harmless pranks and amusing secrets. Remember, the key here is to have a good laugh together, not to cause harm or distress.
Organize a blackmail-themed movie night with films like 'Blackmail' (1929) or 'The Adventures of Tintin: The Black Island'. Don't forget the popcorn!
Create funny 'blackmail' cards or messages to share with friends or co-workers. Let your creativity shine as you design witty insinuations and hilarious demands.

Did You Know?

Did you know that blackmail was once punishable by death in some countries? Thankfully, we've come a long way since then, and National Blackmail Day reminds us to keep a sense of humor even in the face of sneaky threats and secrets.

History behind the term 'Blackmail'

1550

Origin of the term

The term 'blackmail' originated in Scotland around the year 1550. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'bile,' meaning 'tribute' or 'tax,' and the Old English word 'māl,' meaning 'payment' or 'tribute.' The combination of these words resulted in 'blackmail,' which referred to a type of tax or tribute paid in goods or money to Scottish chieftains or landlords.

1600s

Extortion using threats

During the 1600s, the term 'blackmail' started to acquire its modern meaning. It began to be used to describe the act of extorting money or other valuables from individuals by threat or coercion. The term gained popularity due to its association with the notorious Border Reivers in the Scottish-English border region, who would demand 'blackmail' from their victims under the threat of violence or property damage.

18th century

Transformation into a legal offense

In the 18th century, 'blackmail' became a recognized criminal offense in English law. It was classified as a type of theft or extortion and was punishable by law. The offense was defined as demanding money or valuable items from someone through threats, intimidation, or the exposure of embarrassing or damaging information.

19th century

Written communication and anonymous letters

In the 19th century, the use of written communication became increasingly common for blackmailer and their victims. Blackmailers would send anonymous letters containing threats or demands for money, often accompanied by compromising information or personal secrets. This form of communication provided a level of anonymity to the perpetrators, making it more challenging for law enforcement to track them down.

20th century

Technological advancements

With the advent of new technologies in the 20th century, the methods of blackmail evolved. The telephone, followed by email and the internet, provided new platforms for blackmailers to intimidate and extort their victims. The accessibility and speed of these communication tools made it easier for blackmailers to make threats, demand money, or expose sensitive information.