National Choke Day

Young man demonstrating Heimlich maneuver on a mannequin, wearing professional attire, medical office setting, surrounded by CPR equipment..
National choke day illustration

Welcome to the wild and wacky world of national days! Strap on your seatbelts and get ready to dive deep into the mysterious occasion known as National Choke Day.

When is Choke Day?

It's national choke day on the 1st March.


What is National Choke Day?

Every now and then, a national day comes along that truly takes your breath away. And that day is National Choke Day. It's a day that reminds us of the importance of being cautious, whether it's in sports, relationships, or even just eating food. Because choking is no laughing matter, unless it's National Choke Day, when we're allowed to chuckle a little.

This day serves as a reminder to learn the Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving technique used to dislodge objects from the throat. So, if you find yourself gasping for air, don't panic! Remembering National Choke Day is like having a little guardian angel on your shoulder, whispering, 'Breathe, my friend, breathe.'

The Internet History of National Choke Day

Gather 'round, folks, it's storytime! National Choke Day made its debut on the internet scene on March 1, 2017. A clever and safety-conscious individual, with a knack for creating awareness about potential dangers, decided to dedicate a special day to raise awareness about choking hazards. And thus, National Choke Day was born.

The internet caught on like wildfire, with people sharing tips, personal anecdotes, and even funny GIFs related to choking incidents. The hashtag #NationalChokeDay trended on social media platforms, spreading awareness far and wide.

How to Celebrate National Choke Day

Celebrating National Choke Day doesn't mean you have to go out and intentionally place yourself in precarious situations. Instead, take this day as an opportunity to educate yourself and others about choking hazards and how to prevent accidents. Here are some ideas:

  • Organize a CPR and Heimlich maneuver training session.
  • Host a potluck where everyone brings a dish that reminds them of a time they choked (in a safe, non-traumatic way).
  • Create and share informative social media posts about choking hazards.
  • Support organizations that work towards promoting safety measures to prevent choking accidents.
  • Send a friendly reminder to your loved ones to take small bites and chew their food thoroughly.

Did You Know?

On National Choke Day, the streets are adorned with caution signs shaped like giant popcorn kernels and grapes. It's a sight to behold!



History behind the term 'Choke'


1562

Origins in Middle English

The term 'choke' first originated in Middle English as 'choken,' derived from the Old English word 'aceocian' meaning to suffocate or strangle. It was used to describe the act of obstructing the airflow in someone's throat, making it difficult for them to breathe.


1785

Choke as a Wrestling Technique

The term 'choke' gained popularity in the late 18th century in the context of wrestling. It referred to a technique where one wrestler would apply pressure on their opponent's neck or throat to restrict their breathing and control their movements. This maneuver became an integral part of various wrestling styles, including catch wrestling and jiu-jitsu.


1848

Chokehold in Law Enforcement

In 1848, the term 'chokehold' found its way into law enforcement jargon. A chokehold referred to a specific technique used by police officers to subdue a suspect by applying pressure to the neck or throat, often resulting in a temporary loss of consciousness due to restricted blood flow to the brain. It became a controversial method due to its potential dangers and ethical concerns.



1980s

Choke in Sports Slang

During the 1980s, the term 'choke' started to be used extensively in sports slang. It was associated with athletes or teams failing to perform under pressure, succumbing to anxiety or nervousness during crucial moments of a game or competition. This figurative use of 'choke' became a common expression in sports discourse, reflecting the idea of losing control or suffocating under stress.


Present

Choke in Contemporary Vernacular

Today, 'choke' has become a versatile term used in various contexts beyond its original meaning. It can describe situations where someone feels overwhelmed, stifled, or hindered by external factors. From performance anxiety to obstructed pipelines, the term 'choke' has evolved into a metaphorical expression used to convey the feeling of being constricted or obstructed.


Did you know?

Giant caution signs shaped like popcorn kernels and grapes are seen on the streets during National Choke Day!

Tagged

awareness food fun loved ones

First identified

1st March 2017

Most mentioned on

1st March 2017

Total mentions

13

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