National Hamburglar Day

Cheeky burger thief with mischievous grin, wearing a striped outfit, stealing hamburgers from a retro diner with neon signs.. — National hamburglar day illustration

Welcome to National Hamburglar Day, where we celebrate the cheekiest and most mischievous burger lover of all time! Get ready to dive into a world of fun, food, and a pinch of larceny. Burgers, beware!

When is Hamburglar Day?

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

The Legend of the Hamburglar

Picture this: It's a sunny day in the late 1970s, and you're just minding your own business, taking a leisurely stroll down Sesame Street. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a snazzy guy in a striped suit springs up from the shadows, stealing burgers left and right. Who could it be? None other than the Hamburglar, the lovable rogue with an insatiable appetite for beefy goodness!

Originally introduced as a character in the McDonaldland advertising campaign, the Hamburglar quickly became a fan favorite. With his signature black and white costume, complete with a wide-brimmed hat and a mask reminiscent of a certain famous outlaw, he added a touch of whimsy to our favorite fast-food franchise.

Whether he was hiding behind bushes, sneaking into Ronald McDonald's clubhouse, or attempting to pilfer burgers from unsuspecting customers' plates, the Hamburglar always managed to bring a smile to our faces. He taught us that it's okay to be a little bit mischievous every now and then, as long as you do it with a side of fries!

Celebrating National Hamburglar Day

On this special day, we encourage everyone to channel their inner Hamburglar (minus the larceny, please!). Gather your loved ones for a mouthwatering burger feast, complete with all your favorite toppings and sides. And hey, don't forget to wear your best black and white outfit to show your appreciation for this mischievous hero of fast food lore!

But let's not just restrict our celebrations to indulging in delicious burgers. Why not organize a friendly burger-themed sports competition? From burger eating contests to burger-shaped frisbee tournaments, the possibilities are endless! Let the combination of athleticism and juicy beef patties bring out the competitive spirit in you.

History behind the term 'Hamburglar'

1971

Introduction of McDonald's mascot

The term 'hamburglar' originated in 1971 with the introduction of McDonald's infamous mascot, the Hamburglar. The Hamburglar is a fictional character known for his distinctive black-and-white striped shirt, red tie, and wide-brimmed hat. He is depicted as a pint-sized thief who steals hamburgers from McDonald's restaurants.

1971

Introduction of the Hamburglar

The term 'Hamburglar' was first introduced in 1971 by the fast-food chain McDonald's. They created a new character for their marketing campaigns, inspired by the idea of a hamburger-stealing villain. The Hamburglar was depicted as a mischievous, pint-sized thief with a black and white striped shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, a cape, and a black eye mask. This character quickly became popular among children and added excitement to McDonald's promotions.

1985

Expansion of the Hamburglar's Role

In 1985, McDonald's expanded the role of the Hamburglar beyond just a marketing character. They included the Hamburglar in their Happy Meal toys, further solidifying the character's popularity and cultural impact. Children could now play with miniature versions of the Hamburglar and incorporate him into their imaginative play. This expansion helped the term 'Hamburglar' become synonymous with a playful, burger-loving character.

1973

Hamburglar features in commercials

By 1973, the Hamburglar became a prominent figure in McDonald's advertising campaigns. He was featured in several television commercials and print advertisements, often depicted as a mischievous character who would do anything to get his hands on the delicious McDonald's hamburgers.

1990s

Hamburglar in Popular Culture

Throughout the 1990s, the Hamburglar maintained a strong presence in popular culture. He appeared in numerous McDonald's commercials, television shows, and even had his own video game. The character's image was ingrained in people's minds, and the term 'Hamburglar' began to extend beyond its association with McDonald's. It became a recognizable term used to describe someone who steals or takes food, particularly hamburgers, in a lighthearted and playful context.

1985

Hamburglar's design update

In 1985, the Hamburglar underwent a design update. Previously portrayed as a grimace-faced character with a long nose, he was transformed into a friendlier and more recognizable character with a rounded face, a wider smile, and a shorter nose. This redesign aimed to make him more appealing to children.

Present Day

Legacy of the Hamburglar

The term 'Hamburglar' continues to be used colloquially to describe someone who steals or takes food, especially hamburgers, in a playful or humorous manner. It has become a part of popular culture and is recognized by people of various age groups. The Hamburglar's enduring popularity highlights the impact that fictional characters can have on language and how they can shape our everyday expressions.

1998

Hamburglar's role transformed

In 1998, the Hamburglar's role underwent a significant transformation. McDonald's rebranded him as a good-natured prankster and family-friendly character, shifting away from the original portrayal as a hamburger thief. This change aimed to align the character with the values of McDonald's, emphasizing fun and entertainment for kids.

2015

Hamburglar's return

In 2015, after a long hiatus, the Hamburglar made a comeback in a McDonald's advertising campaign. This reintroduction introduced a more modern and sophisticated version of the character, with a slimmer appearance, a stylish trench coat, and a fedora hat. The aim was to appeal to nostalgic adults while still capturing the attention of younger audiences.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Hamburglar was originally known as the Lone Jogger? They say he used to steal burgers while sprinting through the streets, but he realized that running in a suit was quite uncomfortable. So, he decided to take a slower, more calculated approach and became the infamous Hamburglar we all know and love!