National Mug Shot Day

Person smiling in a well-fitted suit, holding a coffee mug, office setting, surrounded by books and paperwork.. — National mug shot day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, your go-to source for all things national day related! Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating history of National Mug Shot Day. So, grab a mug of your favorite beverage, and let's uncover the secrets behind this intriguing day!

When is Mug Shot Day?

It's national mug shot day on the 21st April.

The Origins of National Mug Shot Day

Believe it or not, National Mug Shot Day has an interesting connection to the internet. It all started on April 21, 2016, when a viral meme took the online world by storm. This meme featured a collection of hilarious and bizarre mug shots, capturing the attention of millions across social media platforms.

As these mug shots spread like wildfire in the digital realm, internet users began celebrating them in a lighthearted and humorous way. People couldn't help but marvel at the creativity and quirkiness displayed by individuals who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Celebrating National Mug Shot Day

National Mug Shot Day is an opportunity for internet users to share and appreciate the artistry behind these interesting snapshots of human folly. Whether it's a goofy grin, an outlandish hairstyle, or a peculiar fashion choice, mug shots have become a form of unexpected entertainment.

On this day, people gather online to post and share their favorite mug shots. From celebrities to ordinary folks, everyone can join in on the fun. Remember, though, it's all in good fun and should be approached with a sense of humor and respect for the individuals in the photos.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the most common facial expression in mug shots is the infamous "duck face"? It seems that even when faced with a law enforcement camera, some individuals just can't resist striking a pose.

History behind the term 'Mug Shot'

1888

First known use

The term 'mug shot' was first used in 1888. It is derived from the British slang word 'mug', which means 'face'. The word 'mug' was commonly used to refer to a person's face during that time.

1879

Invention of the photographic mug shot

In 1879, the French criminologist Alphonse Bertillon developed the first standardized method for photographing criminals. His method involved taking multiple photographs of the criminal's face and profile, creating a photographic record of the individual's features and measurements. These photographs were known as 'portrait parlé' or 'spoken portrait'. However, it wasn't until later that the term 'mug shot' became widely used to describe these photographs.

1890

Adoption of the term 'mug shot'

By the early 1890s, the term 'mug shot' had become popular among both law enforcement officials and the general public. It eventually became the widely accepted term to describe the photographic records taken during the booking process of criminal suspects. The word 'mug' in this context refers to the criminal's face, while 'shot' refers to the photographic capture.

20th century

Integration into criminal identification

As the 20th century progressed, mug shots became an integral part of criminal identification. The use of standardized photography helped establish a consistent record-keeping system, allowing law enforcement agencies to accurately identify and track criminals. Mug shots played a crucial role in criminal investigations and the development of fingerprinting techniques.

Present day

Pop culture icon

Today, mug shots have transcended their original purpose and become a pop culture phenomenon. From celebrity arrests to viral internet memes, mug shots have captured the public's fascination with the criminal world. Despite their often negative connotation, mug shots serve as historical records that document the intersection of law enforcement, photography, and society.