National Joke Day

A group of people sitting in a park, laughing together, wearing colorful summer outfits, surrounded by picnic blankets and snacks.. — National joke day illustration

Who could resist the irresistible, irrepressible charm of a good old-fashioned belly laugh? Nobody! That's who! And that's exactly why National Joke Day has been celebrated with jest and gusto around the web. A day dedicated to the hilarious, the absurd, and the downright silly that leaves you, well, in stitches!

When is Joke Day?

It's national joke day on the 5th November.

A Day for the Funnies

The rip-roaring roller coaster that is National Joke Day came into existence in the sea of internet culture where people, just like you and me, felt that the world needed a little more laughter. Although the exact origin of this day is as elusive as the punchline to a complex joke, one thing is clear: it is universally loved and celebrated with the same guffaw-inducing glee every year.

2016 - The Year of the Joke

Imagine a day where everywhere you turned, there was a joke waiting to split your sides. That's exactly what happened on 05 Nov 2016. We saw the highest number of mentions of National Joke Day in the entire history of the internet. It seemed like social media platforms, blogs and forums were in a virtual tug-of-war, each trying to out-joke the other. The web was truly awash with people delivering knock-knock jokes, dad jokes, puns, and wordplays, all in the spirit of this chuckle-filled national day.

Laughter Truly is the Best Medicine

It's not just about the chuckles, snorts, and giggles, though. National Joke Day provides a perfect platform for people to connect with each other, spread positivity, and foster a sense of inclusivity. It is a day when everyone can swap roles and become comedians, reminding us all that humor is a universal language that knows no boundaries.

History behind the term 'Joke'

1165

The Early Origins

The term 'joke' finds its roots in the Middle English word 'jouk' or 'jouken,' meaning to jest, mock, or play tricks. The term was often used in the context of fooling or deceiving someone for amusement. Jokes during this period were mainly spoken or performed in social gatherings to entertain and bring laughter to the participants.

1598

Shakespeare's Jestbook

The word 'joke' gained popularity during the Elizabethan Era when William Shakespeare published 'The Book of Jests,' a collection of humorous anecdotes. This marked the beginning of the written documentation of jokes, making them accessible to a wider audience and affirming them as a form of entertainment.

1847

The Rise of Punchlines

In the mid-19th century, the term 'joke' started to be associated with the punchline concept. Up until this point, jokes were often elaborate stories or narratives, lacking a distinct comedic ending. However, with the emergence of punchlines, the structure of jokes evolved to include a setup and a humorous twist, making them more concise and impactful.

1897

The First Joke Book

The publication of 'The Wit and Humor of America' in 1897 marked the birth of the first-ever joke book. Compiled by Marshall P. Wilder, this collection brought together jokes from various sources and showcased the diverse humor of the American culture. Joke books became immensely popular, serving as a reference for comedians and individuals seeking amusement.

1966

Jokes in the Digital Era

With the advent of the internet, jokes experienced a new wave of popularity and accessibility. Online platforms, such as online forums and social media, provided a space for people to share and spread jokes globally. The digital era enabled the creation of viral jokes, memes, and even dedicated joke websites, making humor more interconnected and influential than ever before.

Did you know?

Did you know that laughing not only reduces stress, but it also improves your immune system? So, next time you're down with a cold, maybe a good joke can do the trick!