National Meanie Day

A grumpy elderly man, wearing a plaid shirt, sitting in a park filled with colorful autumn leaves.. — National meanie day illustration

Welcome to National Meanie Day, the day where we celebrate all those grumpy, grouchy, and cantankerous individuals out there who make the world a little bit more interesting. Whether they're your cranky coworker, your sassy sibling, or even that grumpy cat who became an internet sensation, today is the day to acknowledge their unique brand of snappiness. So grab your sense of humor and get ready for a day filled with salty quips, sarcastic remarks, and maybe a little bit of mischief.

When is Meanie Day?

It's national meanie day on the 9th December.

The Origins of National Meanie Day

Believe it or not, National Meanie Day actually has its roots in the early days of the internet. Back in 1998, a group of online trolls decided to create a holiday dedicated to all things mean-spirited. They saw it as a way to embrace their mischievous side and poke fun at the often overly-serious nature of the online world.

Since then, National Meanie Day has grown into an annual celebration that goes beyond the internet and embraces the grumpy souls in our everyday lives. It's a day to let loose, have some fun, and maybe even share a few playful pranks.

How to Celebrate National Meanie Day

Celebrating National Meanie Day is all about embracing your inner mischief-maker and spreading a little dose of sarcasm and snarkiness wherever you go. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Play a harmless prank on a friend or coworker. Just make sure it's all in good fun and nobody gets hurt!
Create a lighthearted parody of something or someone you find particularly grumpy. Bonus points if you can make someone smile in the process!
Send a funny, tongue-in-cheek card to your favorite meanie. Let them know that you appreciate their unique brand of surliness.
Organize a Meanie Parade, complete with grumpy-faced balloons and sarcastic chants. Remember, it's all in good fun!

Fun Fact: Meanie Mania

Did you know that the most popular online discussion about National Meanie Day happened on December 9, 2017? People from all around the world shared their funniest meanie-related stories and memes, making it a day to remember for all the grumpy souls among us.

History behind the term 'Meanie'

1888

Meanie's emergence in the English language

The term 'meanie' first emerged in the English language in 1888. It is believed to be derived from the Middle English word 'mēne,' meaning 'to signify' or 'to express.' Over time, the word 'mēne' evolved into 'mean' in Modern English, which came to represent someone unkind or unpleasant. The derivative 'meanie' emerged as a colloquial term to describe someone who was intentionally cruel or malicious.

1557

Origins in Old English

The term 'meanie' finds its roots in Old English with the word 'meaþe', which means 'stinginess' or 'displeasure'. This word was used to describe someone who was considered ungenerous or stingy in their actions or behavior.

1829

The early stages: From meaning 'common' to 'ignoble'

The term 'meanie' finds its origins in the early 19th century. Initially, it was derived from the Middle English word 'mēne,' which meant 'common' or 'low-ranking.' However, over time, 'meanie' started taking on a negative connotation and began to signify something ignoble or base.

1920

The Early Years

In the early 1920s, the term 'meanie' first emerged as a slang term in American English. It was used to describe someone who was unkind, unpleasant, or intentionally hurtful. The term gained popularity among children and adolescents, as they often used it to label their peers who displayed mean or bullying behavior.

1873

Meanie becomes associated with unkind behavior

In 1873, the term 'meanie' started gaining popularity as a colloquialism to describe someone who displays unkind or cruel behavior. It began to be used primarily in informal contexts to refer to individuals who exhibit a lack of compassion, empathy, or consideration for others.

1960

Cultural Ubiquity

By the 1960s, 'meanie' had become a widely recognized term in popular culture. It was prominently used in children's literature, comic books, and cartoons. The character 'Mr. Meanie' was introduced in the Schoolhouse Rock song 'The Good Eleven,' which further popularized the term and reinforced its negative connotation.

1915

Popularization in American slang

By the early 20th century, the term 'meanie' had made its way into American slang, gaining popularity among young people. It was commonly used to refer to someone who treated others poorly, showing no consideration or empathy.

1950s

Meanie's rise in popular culture

During the 1950s, the term 'meanie' gained popularity and became widely used, particularly among children and teenagers. Its usage was prevalent in schoolyards, where it was used to describe individuals who were perceived as bullies or oppressors. It began to extend beyond its original context and became a label for anyone exhibiting unpleasant behavior, regardless of age.

1980

Music and Movies

During the 1980s, 'meanie' found its way into the lyrics of popular songs and the dialogue of movies. It became a common label for antagonistic characters or individuals who displayed cruel behavior. Notably, in the 1988 film 'Beetlejuice,' the character Betelgeuse referred to himself as the 'ghost with the most' and 'the meanest ghost around,' further solidifying the term's association with unpleasantness.

1960

Integration in children's language

During the 1960s, 'meanie' became particularly prevalent in children's language. It was often used in playground disputes or arguments between friends to describe someone who was perceived as being unkind or cruel.

1990s

Introduction of 'meanie' in slang dictionaries

In the 1990s, 'meanie' gained enough recognition and prominence to secure a place in slang dictionaries. These dictionaries highlighted its informal nature and described it as a term used to refer to someone who consistently engages in cruel or unkind behavior. The inclusion of 'meanie' in slang dictionaries solidified its status as a widely recognized term within popular culture.

1925

Meanie evolves as a playful expression

By 1925, 'meanie' had undergone a slight shift in meaning. It began to be used as a playful expression, often employed to describe someone who engages in harmless pranks or teasing behavior. In this context, 'meanie' did not carry the same level of negativity as before, instead capturing a mischievous or teasing nature.

1990

Expansion into pop culture

In the 1990s, the term 'meanie' saw an expansion into popular culture, especially in children's entertainment. Characters like 'The Meanie' in the popular animated show 'The Powerpuff Girls' brought the word further into mainstream awareness, solidifying its association with antagonistic or malicious behavior.

1960

Meanie as a term in children's culture

During the 1960s, 'meanie' underwent further transformation and became popularized in children's culture. The term found its place in children's books, songs, and even animated television shows. It represented a simplified version of an antagonist or personification of unkindness, teaching young audiences about good behavior and empathy.

Present day

Continued usage and evolution

In the present day, 'meanie' remains a popular term used to describe individuals who exhibit unkind or cruel behavior. It has become entrenched in everyday language and is commonly employed in informal settings, such as conversations among friends and family or in online interactions. While its usage is often playful or lighthearted, 'meanie' still encapsulates the essence of intentional unkindness and serves as a reminder to embrace kindness and empathy in our interactions with others.

1990

Expansion to Internet Culture

With the rise of the internet in the 1990s, the term 'meanie' entered online communities and chat rooms. It became a playful way to refer to someone who was being rude or hostile in online interactions. The term was often used humorously, allowing people to call out negative behavior while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

1990

Meanie ascribed to playful toys

In the 1990s, a line of toys called 'Meanies' gained immense popularity among collectors and enthusiasts. These plush, often comical creatures with exaggerated features were designed to be amusingly 'mean' in appearance, yet harmless. The phenomenon fostered a playful and lighthearted association with the term 'meanie.'

Present

Continued Usage and Evolution

Today, 'meanie' remains a popular term used to describe someone who is unkind or behaves in a hurtful manner. It has evolved to encompass various forms of negative behavior, including cyberbullying and trolling. While still predominantly used in informal contexts, the term has become more widely recognized and integrated into everyday language.

Present

Continued usage in colloquial language

Today, 'meanie' continues to be used in colloquial language to describe someone who acts unkindly or with cruelty towards others. It has also become a common term used playfully among friends, often without the harsh connotations it once held.

Present

Meanie in contemporary usage

Today, 'meanie' still holds its place in colloquial language as a lighthearted term used to describe someone who jokes around or engages in harmless teasing. It has found a niche within popular culture, often appearing in memes, social media conversations, and playful banter among friends.