National Boyfriends Day

Young couple holding hands and enjoying a sunset beach walk, dressed in casual summer outfits, with a picnic basket nearby.. — National boyfriends day illustration

Are your spoons at the ready? Brace yourself folks, there’s no escape from Oct 3rd, for it is officially, National Boyfriends Day! A day dedicated entirely to the men who make a difference in our lives, one hug at a time.

When is Boyfriends Day?

It's national boyfriends day on the 3rd October.

Kick-start to Boyfriendology

It's no secret that a lot of national holidays sprout from the depths of cyberspace. As it appears to be, National Boyfriends Day fits snugly into that category! Our digital elves dug up around 76,320 online mentions of this day, hamming it up on 3rd Oct 2020. Who knew being appreciated could be this well-documented?

The Unsung Heroes of Romance

From dutifully holding shopping bags, to being amateur bug exterminators, boyfriends often star in unsung roles. Let's not forget their commendable sportsmanship during heated debates about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. It’s about time these heroes get their day in the sun!

Participation For Dummies

Commence the celebrations uninhibited, in all forms imaginable. Write a heartfelt note, plan a movie night or take your sports-loving beau to a baseball game. For the food-oriented, tempt him with the scents of a home-cooked meal or a chocolaty dessert. Remember, it’s about appreciation, not property!

Behind the Scenes

Interestingly, there's no legislative ink backing National Boyfriends Day. It's an 'unofficial' holiday - kind of like that sweater grandma knit last fall. It's not on the calendar, but we wear it anyway because it makes us feel warm and fuzzy!

History behind the term 'Boyfriends'

1820

The rise of the term 'boyfriend'

In the year 1820, the term 'boyfriend' first emerged in British English. Originally, it referred to a young male suitor who was courting a woman with the intention of marriage. 'Boyfriend' was a combination of the word 'boy,' which denoted the suitor's youthful age, and 'friend,' emphasizing the close relationship between the couple.

1922

The expansion of 'boyfriend' to non-marital relationships

By 1922, the term 'boyfriend' had evolved from its original meaning and began to encompass relationships beyond those seeking marriage. It started to signify romantic involvement, companionship, and affectionate partnership between a man and a woman. 'Boyfriend' became increasingly popular as society embraced more casual and non-committal relationships.

1950

The inclusion of same-sex relationships

In the 1950s, 'boyfriend' expanded its reach even further as it became inclusive of same-sex relationships. The term transcended heterosexual boundaries and became a common reference for a male partner in any romantic or committed relationship. As societal attitudes evolved, the definition of 'boyfriend' became more inclusive and reflective of diverse relationship dynamics.

2000

The recognition of gender-neutral usage

Around the year 2000, there was a growing recognition for gender-neutral language and the acknowledgment that romantic relationships extend beyond traditional gender binaries. 'Boyfriend' began to be more widely accepted as a term that could include any individual identifying as male in a relationship, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. This shift reflected a more inclusive and diverse understanding of relationships.

Did you know?

Did you know that 'Boyfriend and Girlfriend Day' existed long before 'Single's Day'? Now we know where companies got the idea to cater to the singles!