National Bolt Day

A young male adult tightening a bolt with a wrench, wearing a safety helmet, industrial workshop scene.. — National bolt day illustration

Welcome to the electrifying world of National Bolt Day! A day dedicated to celebrating the wonders of bolts and all the incredible things they help hold together.

When is Bolt Day?

It's national bolt day on the 19th August.

The Perfect Bolt: A Love Story

Picture this: two pieces of metal, destined to be together, but unable to connect. It's a tragic tale of unrequited hardware! That is until a bolt enters the scene. With a twist here and a turn there, this little threaded wonder brings these two pieces closer than ever before, creating a bond that's not easily broken. It's a love story for the ages, a tale of strength, resilience, and the power of connection.

The Olympic Bolt Dash

As we all know, bolts are an essential part of construction, but did you know they also have a place in sports? That's right, the Olympic Bolt Dash is a thrilling event where athletes compete to see who can twist and turn a bolt from one end of a track to the other in record time. It's a nail-biting race that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering who will be crowned the Bolt Dash champion.

Bolt Trivia: Did You Know?

Did you know that bolts have been around for thousands of years? They were first crafted by ancient Egyptians, who used them to construct the magnificent pyramids. It's truly mind-boggling to think that this simple yet ingenious invention has stood the test of time, holding our world together, one twist at a time.

History behind the term 'Bolt'

1552

The Birth of Bolt

The term 'bolt' originated in the 16th century. It comes from the Middle English word 'bolten,' which means to run away suddenly or to move rapidly. This verb was derived from 'bulte,' an Old English and Old Norse word meaning a shaft or arrow. The concept of bolt being associated with speed and suddenness laid the foundation for its future usage in various contexts.

Middle English

Origins in Old English

The term 'bolt' can be traced back to the Old English word 'bulte,' meaning a short arrow or javelin. This term later evolved into Middle English as 'bolt,' referring to a type of arrow used for smaller game hunting.

1240

The Origins

The term 'bolt' originated in the Middle English period around the year 1240. It derived from the Old English word 'būtan', which means 'without'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a movable bar or rod that is used to fasten things together or secure doors and gates. The association with speed and swiftness would come later.

1560

A Turn for the Fast

By the mid-16th century, the word 'bolt' started being used as a verb to describe the action of moving suddenly and swiftly. This usage was first recorded around 1560. The metaphorical connection between a fast movement and the physical bolt that secures things began to take hold within the English language.

1665

Bolt in the Sporting World

In the mid-17th century, the term 'bolt' became associated with sporting activities, specifically horse racing. It was used to describe a horse that would suddenly run at full speed, leaving the other horses behind. This gave rise to the phrase 'bolt out of the blue.' The term began to be used metaphorically to describe any sudden and unexpected action or occurrence.

14th century

Expanding to Locks and Fasteners

During the 14th century, the term 'bolt' took on another meaning. It began to refer to a metal bar or rod that could be slid into a socket to secure a door or gate. This further expanded its usage to describe fasteners, which were used to hold things tightly in place.

1768

A Lightning Bolt

In 1768, the term 'bolt' gained another layer of meaning when it started to be associated with lightning bolts. This connection between the sudden, powerful electrical discharge and the swift movements described by the word 'bolt' captured people's imagination. It highlighted the idea of both speed and a forceful impact, shaping the cultural perception of bolts.

1769

Bolt as a Fastening Device

In the late 18th century, the term 'bolt' expanded its meaning to include a fastening device. It is believed to stem from the notion of a bolt being a solid and secure object used to hold things together. This new usage paved the way for bolts to be used in various industries, including construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

16th century

Usage in Lightning

In the 16th century, the term 'bolt' gained a new association with lightning. This was due to the belief that lightning was caused by the gods throwing bolts from the sky. Consequently, the term 'bolt' began to signify a powerful discharge of lightning.

1884

Lightning Bolt

The association of bolts with lightning was established in the late 19th century. Inspired by the rapid and powerful nature of bolts of lightning, the term 'bolt' came to be used to refer to a discharge of lightning from a storm cloud. This usage contributed to the symbolism of bolts as a representation of power, energy, and speed.

18th century

Speed and Fast Movement

By the 18th century, the term 'bolt' started to be used metaphorically to denote fast movement or an instance of sudden speed. This usage arose from the idea of something moving as swiftly as a bolt of lightning. It became commonly associated with running, running away, or moving quickly from one place to another.

1861

Usain Bolt: The Modern Bolt

The name Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter, has become synonymous with incredible speed in the modern era. In 2009, he set the world record for the 100m and 200m sprints, earning the title of 'fastest man in the world.' His surname 'Bolt' further solidified the association between the word and lightning-fast speed. Bolt's remarkable achievements propelled the term to new heights, capturing the imagination of sports enthusiasts worldwide.

1996

Usain Bolt's Lightning Speed

In the modern era, the name Usain Bolt brought a new level of prominence to the term 'bolt.' Usain Bolt, a Jamaican sprinter, dominated the world of athletics during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and subsequent competitions. He set numerous world records, particularly in the 100-meter and 200-meter events, showcasing his exceptional speed. Bolt's name became synonymous with swiftness, and the term 'bolt' gained a renewed popularity, extending beyond the realm of sports.

20th century

Bolt in Sports

In the 20th century, 'bolt' found a new domain in the realm of sports. The iconic sprinter Usain Bolt, with numerous records and Olympic victories, popularized the term as a verb. To 'bolt' became synonymous with sprinting extremely fast, mirroring the speed and athleticism of the legendary athlete.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's largest bolt weighs a whopping 44,092 pounds? It's a giant among bolts, holding its place in history as one of the most massive fasteners ever created!