National Kidding Day

Two mischievous children with oversized glasses and fake mustaches, dressed in mismatched clothes, standing in front of a colorful circus backdrop.. — National kidding day illustration

Hey there, pranksters and jokesters! Get ready to let your funny bone take center stage because it's National Kidding Day! On this incredible day dedicated to all things humorous, we celebrate the art of pulling pranks, cracking jokes, and spreading smiles. So grab your whoopee cushion, put on your clown nose, and let's dive into the giggles and gags of this hilarious holiday!

When is Kidding Day?

It's national kidding day on the 6th July.

The Origins of National Kidding Day

While the origins of National Kidding Day remain a mystery as tricky as a disappearing cookie in a cookie jar, the tradition of playing practical jokes and making people laugh is as old as time itself. From ancient civilizations to modern-day comedians, humor has always been a universal language that brings people together.

But it wasn't until the rise of the internet that National Kidding Day gained traction in the digital realm. With the rise of social media, prank videos, and meme culture, this lighthearted holiday found its perfect platform to make people LOL and ROFL.

Every year on July 6th, people from all walks of life come together to showcase their comedic talents, share hilarious stories, and celebrate the joy of laughter. It's a day where the serious can let loose, the shy can find their voice, and everyone can appreciate the power of humor.

How to Celebrate National Kidding Day

Celebrating National Kidding Day is as easy as 1, 2, prank! Here are a few fun ways to get in on the laughter:

Play a harmless prank on your friends or family. Just remember to keep it safe, lighthearted, and free of any permanent damage! We don't want any lasting scars, physical or emotional.
Share jokes and funny memes on social media. Spread the laughter and brighten someone's day with a well-timed punchline or a hilarious GIF.
Watch comedy movies or stand-up specials. Get cozy on the couch, grab some popcorn, and treat yourself to a night of uncontrollable laughter.

Did You Know?

Did you know that laughter is contagious? When we hear someone laugh, it triggers a response in our brain that makes us more likely to laugh too. So if you're feeling down, surround yourself with people who have contagious laughter, and soon enough, you'll be giggling away!

History behind the term 'Kidding'

16th century

Origins in Old Norse

The term 'kidding' originated from the Old Norse word 'kiða', which meant 'to stroke gently' or 'to rub'. This early usage of the term generally referred to the action of gently petting or tickling someone in a friendly manner.

1600

The roots of a playful term

The term 'kidding' can be traced back to the 17th century when it emerged as a playful verb. It derived from the Middle English word 'kidde,' which meant 'a young goat.' Just like young goats frolic and playfully jump around, the term 'kidding' initially referred to playful teasing or joking around.

1801

The Birth of a Term

The term 'kidding' first emerged in 1801 and originated from the verb 'kid,' which meant 'to deceive, mock, or joke' at the time. It was commonly used in jest or to playfully tease someone. The word itself is believed to have derived from the Middle English word 'kitten,' which meant to behave in a playful or mischievous manner.

1825

Emergence of 'kid' as a term for a young goat

The term 'kid' originated in the 19th century to refer specifically to a young goat. The word was derived from Middle English 'kidde' and Old Norse 'kið', both of which meant 'young goat'.

19th century

Etymology of 'kidding'

The term 'kidding' originated in the 19th century and is derived from the word 'kid,' which means a young goat. It was initially used as slang to refer to a humorous or playful remark. This association with young goats likely came from the playful nature of baby goats, known for their energetic and mischievous behavior.

1700s

Etymology of 'kidding'

The term 'kidding' originates from the 1700s and comes from the word 'kid' which means a young goat in English. The verb form of 'kid' refers to the act of giving birth to a young goat. Over time, the term 'kidding' started being used metaphorically to describe playful or teasing behavior, similar to the playful nature of young goats.

Word Origin: 1600-1610

Etymology

The term 'kidding' originated from the Middle English word 'kidde' which means a child or young person. The word is derived from the Old Norse word 'kith', which means kinship or affection. Over time, the term 'kidde' evolved to specifically refer to playful or jocular behavior.

1863

Etymology of 'kid' as a term for juvenile goat

The term 'kidding' finds its origins in the 19th century when 'kid' started being used to refer to a juvenile goat. The word 'kid' in this context can be traced back to the Middle English word 'kide', which originally came from Old Norse. Since goats are known for their playful nature, 'kidding' came to be associated with affectionate teasing or playful banter between people.

1800

Origin of 'kid' as a term for joking or teasing

The term 'kid' started to be used in the early 19th century with the meaning of joking or teasing. It was derived from the noun form of 'kid', which originally referred to a young goat. This connection likely arose from the playful and mischievous nature often associated with baby goats.

1560

Etymology of 'kid' as a humorous term

The term 'kidding' is derived from the word 'kid', which originally meant a young goat. In the 1560s, 'kid' began to be used as a humorous term for a young person or a jesting action. It described the playful and mischievous nature often associated with young goats. Over time, this term evolved to include playful teasing and joking among humans.

Historical Usage: 1800s

Childish Playfulness

During the 19th century, the term 'kidding' gained popularity and was commonly used to describe the act of engaging in playful or lighthearted behavior, particularly among children. It became associated with harmless jokes, pranks, and tricks that were intended to entertain and amuse rather than cause harm or offense.

1920s

Becoming a Part of American English

During the 1920s, the term 'kidding' gained popularity and became an integral part of American English. It started being commonly used in informal conversations, adding a lighthearted and jovial tone to interactions. As the Roaring Twenties brought about a cultural shift towards more casual and playful communication, the term 'kidding' became firmly established in the vernacular.

1940

Expansion of 'kid' to refer to a child

In the early 20th century, the term 'kid' started to be used colloquially to refer to a child. This expansion in meaning likely stemmed from the association of young goats with playfulness and mischievousness, qualities often associated with children.

Mid-20th century

Expansion of 'kidding' into popular culture

During the mid-20th century, the term 'kidding' gained wider usage in English-speaking countries. It became a popular colloquialism for teasing, joking, or engaging in light-hearted banter. The word 'kid' itself began to be used more broadly to refer to children in a casual or affectionate manner, further cementing the term 'kidding' in popular culture.

19th Century

Evolution of 'kidding'

During the 19th century, the term 'kidding' gained popularity and expanded beyond its original association with goat-related activities. It started to be widely used to describe playful or joking behavior in human interactions. This shift in usage reflected the evolving cultural norms of humor and understanding between individuals.

19th century

'Kidding' as a slang expression

In the 19th century, 'kidding' gained popularity as a slang expression, particularly in American English. It referred to the act of playfully teasing or joking with someone. The term became widely used and was commonly understood to be a light-hearted form of banter or friendly teasing.

1932

Emergence of 'kidding' as a slang term

In the early 20th century, 'kidding' started to be used as a slang term in American English. It was commonly used in informal conversations among friends to indicate playful joking or gentle teasing. The term gained popularity among young people and gradually became a part of informal language and colloquial speech.

1890

The emergence of 'kidding' as a colloquial expression

By the end of the 19th century, the verb form 'kidding' began to gain popularity as a colloquial expression meaning to joke or tease someone. The term was mainly used within informal conversations and added a light-hearted tone to playful banter. 'Kidding' quickly became a widely understood term in English-speaking communities.

19th century

Evolution in English

In the 19th century, the term 'kidding' became integrated into the English language as a slang term. It took on a broader meaning, encompassing playful or humorous behavior that aimed to tease or joke with someone.

1839

Kidding becomes synonymous with joking

Throughout the 19th century, the term 'kidding' gained popularity as a slang expression for 'joking.' It became synonymous with playful banter and light-hearted jesting between friends. The term encapsulated the concept of good-natured teasing, often involving humorous remarks, to evoke laughter and amusement.

1950s

Inclusion of 'kidding' in mainstream English

During the 1950s, 'kidding' transitioned from being a purely slang term to a more mainstream usage in English. It found its way into dictionaries, where it was defined as informal or colloquial language for playful teasing or light-hearted jokes. With the rise of television and movies as influential mediums, the term became even more prevalent in popular culture, further solidifying its place in the English language.

1967

Introduction of the term 'kidding' as a form of joking

The term 'kidding' emerged in the 1960s as a slang expression meaning to joke or tease someone. It was derived from the earlier use of 'kid' as a term for a child, as joking and playful banter are commonly associated with children.

20th century

Popularity in American English

During the 20th century, the term 'kidding' gained significant popularity in American English. It became commonly used to indicate mild jesting, sarcasm, or lighthearted mocking between friends or acquaintances. This usage exemplified the American sense of humor and friendly banter.

20th century

Incorporation into colloquial language

As the 20th century progressed, 'kidding' became increasingly incorporated into colloquial language and everyday conversations. It became a commonly used term to express lighthearted teasing or jesting between friends, family members, or colleagues. 'Kidding' took on the meaning of good-natured humor and gentle mockery, often used to create a jovial atmosphere or alleviate tension.

Modern Interpretation: 20th Century

Teasing in a Good-Natured Manner

In the 20th century, 'kidding' took on a broader meaning and expanded beyond just child's play. It began to signify teasing or joking in a good-natured manner, often involving sarcastic remarks or light-hearted banter between friends or acquaintances. This interpretation of 'kidding' emphasized the intention of humor rather than malicious intent.

1930

Integration of 'kidding' into mainstream language

During the 1930s, 'kidding' became more prevalent in mainstream language and literature. It found its way into newspapers, magazines, and even popular novels of the time. The growing usage of 'kidding' helped solidify its place in everyday vocabulary, establishing it as a commonly used term for playful teasing or joking.

1970s

'Kidding' becomes a catchphrase

In the 1970s, the term 'kidding' became a catchphrase and was frequently used in comedic television shows and movies. Comedians incorporated the word into their routines, further popularizing its usage. This period marked a significant shift in the cultural impact of the term, as it became more widely recognized as a playful and humorous expression.

1950s

Kidding Goes Mainstream

In the 1950s, with the rise of television and radio, the term 'kidding' made its way into the mainstream media. Comedy shows, sitcoms, and talk shows popularized the use of kidding as a humorous and entertaining form of communication. Stand-up comedians utilized 'kidding' as a way to engage with their audience, cracking jokes and making playful remarks.

1920s

Expansion of 'kidding' in colloquial language

In the 1920s, 'kidding' grew in usage within colloquial language. It found its way into everyday conversations, especially among young people. The term became an integral part of slang vocabulary, signifying playful and humorous interactions. Its popularity continued to rise, solidifying 'kidding' as a common term for light-hearted joking.

20th Century

Integration into colloquial vernacular

In the 20th century, 'kidding' became firmly integrated into colloquial vernacular. It became a common and widely accepted term to express playful banter, teasing, or sarcasm. The term 'kidding' also found its way into various cultural forms such as literature, theater, and movies, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

Popularization: Late 20th Century

Usage in Pop Culture

The term 'kidding' gained further popularity in late 20th-century pop culture. It became a common phrase used in comedy routines, sitcoms, and movies. Comedians often incorporated 'kidding' to convey their humorous intent, adding an element of playfulness and wit to their performances. This widespread usage in popular entertainment solidified 'kidding' as a widely understood term for friendly teasing or joking.

Present day

Common usage and online culture

Today, 'kidding' is a commonly used term in everyday conversation. It has become ingrained in modern language, used in a variety of contexts to indicate playful jesting, disbelieving incredulity, or gentle mocking. With the rise of internet culture, 'kidding' has also found its place in online communities and social media platforms, where users frequently employ it to indicate sarcasm or irony in their written communications.

21st century

Digital Age and Social Media

With the advent of the internet and social media, the term 'kidding' expanded further in its usage. Online platforms, such as chatrooms, forums, and social networking sites, facilitated the spread of playful banter and joking among users. 'Kidding' and its variations, like 'lol', 'haha', and 'jk', became integral components of online communication and humor.

Present Day

Ubiquitous usage and linguistic variations

In the present day, 'kidding' has become a ubiquitous part of everyday language across different regions and cultures. Its usage has diversified, leading to various linguistic variations and idiomatic expressions related to kidding. People now use the term 'kidding' in a wide range of contexts, including informal conversations, digital communication, and even professional settings when used appropriately to create a lighthearted atmosphere.

Modern times

'Kidding' in contemporary usage

In contemporary usage, 'kidding' has retained its meaning as playful banter or teasing. However, it has also expanded to include the notion of telling a joke or making a humorous statement, often preceded by the phrase 'just kidding.' Today, 'kidding' is widely understood as a way to indicate that a statement should not be taken seriously, and it continues to be a popular expression in informal conversations and social interactions.

1950s

Inclusion in popular culture

The 1950s witnessed the widespread integration of 'kidding' into various forms of popular culture. It appeared in movies, sitcoms, and comedy acts. The term's association with humor and playful pranks contributed to its cultural prevalence. 'Kidding' became a staple in comedic scripts and paved the way for its further establishment in mainstream language.

1960s

Expansion of 'kidding' to include sarcastic humor

By the 1960s, 'kidding' had evolved to encompass not just playful banter but also sarcastic humor. It started being used to indicate ironic or mocking comments made in a joking manner. This expansion of the term's meaning reflected the changing social dynamics and humor styles of the time, where sarcasm and irony were increasingly used for comic effect.

1950

Spread of 'kidding' through popular media

With the rise of television and radio in the 1950s, 'kidding' gained even more exposure. Comedians, talk show hosts, and sitcom characters frequently used the term, further popularizing it among the masses. The catchphrase 'I'm just kidding!' became a staple response to alleviate any potential offense taken during humorous exchanges.

1990s

The Rise of Kidding in Pop Culture

With the advent of the internet and the increasing influence of pop culture, the term 'kidding' found a new platform to thrive. Online forums, chat rooms, and social media gave people the opportunity to engage in playful banter and joking exchanges on a global scale. Memes and viral videos often incorporated the concept of kidding, bringing laughter and entertainment to individuals across continents.

1990

Popularization of 'kidding' as a light-hearted expression

During the 1990s, the term 'kidding' gained widespread popularity as a light-hearted expression used to emphasize that one is not serious or to lighten the mood. It became a common phrase in informal conversations, allowing people to engage in humor without causing offense.

Present Day

Kidding as a Part of Everyday Communication

In the present day, 'kidding' has become a ubiquitous term in everyday communication. It has evolved to encompass not only playful teasing, but also a form of sarcasm or irony. It serves as a tool to lighten the mood, diffuse tension, and create camaraderie among friends, family, and colleagues. Whether in person or through digital platforms, 'kidding' continues to play a significant role in fostering social connections and humor in our daily lives.

1980s

Usage expands beyond friendly banter

By the 1980s, the term 'kidding' expanded its meaning beyond friendly banter. It started encompassing sarcastic remarks and ironic humor. 'Kidding' became a way to express humorous disbelief, challenging assumptions, or gently mocking absurdity. This evolved usage added a touch of subtle wit to the term, making it even more versatile in contemporary language.

Present

'Kidding' as a widely accepted term for joking

In the present day, 'kidding' has become a commonly accepted term for joking, teasing, or making light-hearted remarks. It has cemented its place in the conversational repertoire of English speakers worldwide. From casual conversations among friends to talk show banter, 'kidding' continues to be a versatile term to express humor and playfulness.

Present Day

Common Usage

Today, 'kidding' has become a universally recognized term used to express playful intent. It is regularly employed in both casual conversations and online interactions to indicate that a statement or action is meant as a joke or not to be taken seriously. The term reflects our cultural appreciation for humor and light-heartedness, allowing people to engage in friendly banter and maintain a sense of camaraderie.

Present

Continued usage and cultural significance of 'kidding'

Today, 'kidding' remains a widely used term to indicate playful teasing or lighthearted jokes. Its usage has expanded beyond verbal communication and has found its way into written conversations, online interactions, and even text messages. 'Kidding' has become an integral part of the modern lexicon, highlighting the enduring and universal need for humor in human interaction.

Present Day

The enduring legacy of 'kidding'

In the present day, 'kidding' remains an integral part of our lexicon. It has become a versatile term encompassing a range of playful, joking, and sarcastic expressions. Whether teasing loved ones, playfully mocking a situation, or engaging in light-hearted banter, 'kidding' offers a means to add humor, joviality, and amusement to our interactions. Its enduring legacy demonstrates the timeless need for laughter in our lives.