National Coward Day

Hey there, brave soul! Did you know that there's a National Coward Day? Yup, it's true! So, grab your courage (or lack thereof), and let's dive into the fascinating history of this whimsically peculiar day.

When is Coward Day?

It's national coward day on the 28th May.

The Internet History of National Coward Day

National Coward Day, celebrated on various dates throughout the year, is a day to honor those who, umm, shy away from challenging situations. Whether they're avoiding confrontation, jumping at their own shadow, or running away from big spiders, this day is dedicated to all the scaredy-cats out there.

While the origins of National Coward Day are as elusive as the bravery of its celebrants, one thing is for sure - there are no shortage of anecdotes and tales circulating on the internet about the adventures of the faint-hearted.

From hilarious stories of people mistaking their own reflection for an intruder to epic tales of fleeing from garden gnomes, the internet offers a bottomless well of entertainment when it comes to documenting acts of cowardice.

So, if you have a friend or family member who's prone to running in the opposite direction at the slightest provocation, why not send them a cowardly card on this special day? Remember, it's all in good fun, and it's a chance to show them that we love them for who they are, even if they get scared by their own shadow.

History behind the term 'Coward'

1200s

Origins in Medieval English

The term 'coward' originated in the 1200s in Medieval English. It is derived from the Old French word 'couard,' which means 'coward' or 'cow-hearted.' In this context, 'cow-hearted' referred to a person lacking courage or bravery.

13th century

Etymology of the term 'coward'

The term 'coward' originated in the 13th century from the Old French word 'coart', meaning 'tail'. In medieval times, knights typically adorned their armor with a long decorative cloth that hung from the back of their helmet, known as a 'cotte'. This cloth resembled a tail, and when knights would turn their backs to an opponent, it was seen as a sign of fear or weakness.

16th century

Shakespeare's Contribution

In the 16th century, William Shakespeare played a significant role in popularizing the term 'coward.' He used it extensively in his plays to describe characters who displayed fear or timidity. Shakespeare's works, such as 'Macbeth,' 'Hamlet,' and 'Othello,' introduced the term to a wider audience and embedded it firmly in the English language.

14th century

Expansion of the term's meaning

By the 14th century, the term 'coward' had evolved to encompass the idea of someone lacking bravery or courage, not just because of their physical actions but also their mental state. It became associated with individuals who would shy away from confrontations or show fear in the face of danger. The term began to be used to describe both men and women who were deemed to be lacking bravery.

18th century

Military Connotations

During the 18th century, the term 'coward' gained strong military connotations. The concept of cowardice became particularly pertinent in military conflicts, where warriors were expected to exhibit bravery and valor on the battlefield. Soldiers accused of displaying fear or lacking courage were labeled as cowards, often facing severe consequences both socially and professionally.

16th century

Influence of Shakespeare's works

During the 16th century, the works of William Shakespeare played a significant role in popularizing the term 'coward'. In several of his plays, such as 'Macbeth' and 'Hamlet', Shakespeare portrayed characters who displayed traits of cowardice. This further cemented the term in the English language and contributed to its cultural impact.

18th century

Influence on military culture

In the 18th century, the term 'coward' found its way into military culture and warfare. Soldiers who exhibited fear or failed to stand their ground in battle were labeled as cowards, often facing severe consequences and social ostracism. This perception of cowardice in the military continued to shape the term's connotations and cultural significance.

19th century

Expanding Cultural References

In the 19th century, the term 'coward' expanded its cultural references beyond the military context. It became a more versatile insult applicable to various situations outside the battlefield. Whether in personal relationships, politics, or facing challenging circumstances, the term could be used to imply a lack of bravery or moral fortitude.

20th century

Psychological and Societal Implications

During the 20th century, the term 'coward' gained psychological and societal implications. Psychologists delved into the concept of cowardice, studying it as a complex emotional response and exploring the reasons behind fear and the absence of courage. Societal attitudes also started to shift, recognizing that courage encompasses more than just physical bravery.

20th century

Modern understanding of cowardice

In the 20th century, the understanding of cowardice expanded beyond physical bravery and encompassed moral and ethical dimensions. Cowardice came to be associated with individuals who lacked the courage to do what is right, to stand up against oppression, or to speak out against injustice. The term took on a broader meaning, highlighting the importance of not only physical but also moral courage.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'coward' comes from the Old French word 'coart,' which originally meant 'tail'? It later evolved to mean 'scaredy-cat' because, well, tails tuck between legs in moments of fear. So, the next time you think someone is behaving like a coward, just imagine them with a tail!