National Embarrass Yourself Day

Young woman tripping over her own feet, wearing a colorful mismatched outfit, bustling city street scene in the background.. — National embarrass yourself day illustration

Happy National Embarrass Yourself Day! Get ready to cringe, laugh, and maybe even blush a little as we dive into the fascinating history of this quirky holiday.

When is Embarrass Yourself Day?

It's national embarrass yourself day on the 11th August.

A Brief History of National Embarrass Yourself Day

Do you remember that time you tripped and fell flat on your face in front of a crowd? Or that embarrassing moment when you accidentally sent a text to the wrong person? Well, today is the day to embrace those cringe-worthy memories and celebrate all things embarrassing!

National Embarrass Yourself Day first gained popularity on August 11, 2015, when the internet exploded with hilarious stories and videos of people's most painfully awkward moments. From wardrobe malfunctions to accidental humor, the online community came together to share their embarrassing tales and make everyone feel a little less alone in their foolishness.

Since then, this national day has been celebrated annually with people willingly putting themselves in awkward situations, sharing their stories on social media, and reveling in the hilarity of it all. It's a day where we can let go of our inhibitions, embrace our quirks, and laugh at ourselves, because let's face it, life is just too short to take ourselves too seriously!

How to Celebrate

Wondering how to partake in the festivities of National Embarrass Yourself Day? We've got you covered with some light-hearted ideas:

Step out of your comfort zone: Try something new or participate in an activity you've always been too afraid or shy to attempt. Whether it's karaoke, stand-up comedy, or a dance class, challenge yourself to do something that might make you blush a little.
Share your embarrassing stories: Take to social media and join the conversation by sharing your most hilarious and cringe-worthy moments. You'll be surprised at how many people can relate and will appreciate your bravery in embracing the awkwardness.
Organize an embarrassing photo contest: Gather your friends and family for a laughter-filled evening where everyone brings their most embarrassing childhood photos. The one with the most embarrassing picture wins a prize... or maybe just eternal embarrassment!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the fear of embarrassment is called blushingophobia? It's a real thing! Some people are so afraid of feeling embarrassed that they go to great lengths to avoid any situation that might trigger that uncomfortable feeling. So, if you're celebrating National Embarrass Yourself Day, give yourself a pat on the back for being brave enough to face your embarrassment head-on!

History behind the term 'Embarrass Yourself'

1751

The roots of 'embarrass'

The term 'embarrass' has its origins in the French language, specifically from the word 'embarrasser,' meaning 'to block' or 'to hamper.' In the 1750s, the term made its way into the English language, initially referring to situations that caused discomfort or hindered someone's progress.

1854

Delving into 'yourself'

The word 'yourself' is derived from the Middle English pronoun 'your selven,' which meant 'your own self.' It was commonly used in the mid-1800s to refer to an individual's own person or being.

1875

The combination of 'embarrass' and 'yourself'

The first recorded use of the phrase 'embarrass yourself' in written English occurred in the late 19th century, around 1875. The phrase became popular as a way to describe situations in which an individual feels ashamed, uncomfortable, or socially awkward due to their actions, behavior, or performance.

20th Century

Integration into common language

Throughout the 20th century, the term 'embarrass yourself' became firmly embedded in the English language. It found its place in everyday conversations, literature, and popular culture, resonating with people due to its relatable nature. The phrase serves as a reminder to be cautious and considerate when engaging in social or public interactions to avoid discomfort or humiliation.