National Nothing Burger Day

A person sitting on a park bench, wearing comfortable clothes, surrounded by nature, with a sign that says 'National Nothing Burger Day'. .
National nothing burger day illustration

Welcome to National Nothing Burger Day! Prepare yourself for a day dedicated to absolutely nothing. That's right, folks, it's time to celebrate the art of doing absolutely... well, nothing!

When is Nothing Burger Day?

It's national nothing burger day on the 29th June.


The Internet History of National Nothing Burger Day

Every once in a while, a national day comes along that makes you scratch your head and say, 'Really? We're celebrating THAT?' National Nothing Burger Day is one of those days.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly a nothing burger is. Is it a burger with no toppings? A burger made of air? Well, it's actually neither of those things. The term 'nothing burger' originated in the 1950s and refers to something that is insignificant or lacking in substance. It's a way of describing something as a whole lot of nothing.

Fast forward to the age of the internet, and it's no surprise that National Nothing Burger Day found its way onto our screens. With memes, gifs, and countless social media posts, people have taken the concept of nothingness and turned it into something... kind of.

How to Celebrate National Nothing Burger Day

So, how does one celebrate a day dedicated to nothingness? Well, the options are endless, or should we say, nonexistent. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Do absolutely nothing: Embrace the spirit of the day and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Just sit back, relax, and do nothing at all. It's a skill, really.
  • Indulge in a literal nothing burger: Head to your favorite burger joint and order a plain burger with no toppings. It's the perfect way to honor the essence of this day.
  • Share your nothingness online: Take to social media and share your experiences of doing nothing. Use the hashtag #NationalNothingBurgerDay to join in on the conversation.

Remember, the key to celebrating National Nothing Burger Day is to do absolutely nothing. So sit back, relax, and embrace the nothingness!



History behind the term 'Nothing Burger'


1952

The rise of fast-food restaurants

In 1952, the American fast-food industry was gaining popularity. Several fast-food chains, such as McDonald's and Burger King, emerged around this time, offering quick and affordable meals to the masses. This marked the beginning of a significant shift in dining culture and the rise of the 'burger' as a widely consumed food item.


1959

Birth of the term

The term 'nothing burger' was first used in 1959 by Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons in her column. She used it to describe a movie that she felt had no substance or value.


1973

The emergence of an idiom

By 1973, the term 'nothing burger' started to appear in American slang. It was used to describe something or someone insignificant, unimportant, or lacking substance. The metaphorical use of 'burger' in this context alludes to the concept of a burger being a substantial meal, and 'nothing' highlighting the absence of substance or value.



1970s

Popularized by journalism

During the 1970s, the term 'nothing burger' gained popularity in journalism circles. It became commonly used to describe stories or news that were deemed unimportant or lacking significance.


1980s

Political usage

In the 1980s, the phrase 'nothing burger' made its way into political discourse. It was often used by politicians and pundits to dismiss or downplay the importance of certain issues or scandals.


1985

Pervasive usage in political discourse

During the 1985 Senate confirmation hearings for Justice William Rehnquist, the term 'nothing burger' gained prominence in the political realm. It was used by Senators and pundits alike to dismiss issues or allegations that they considered insignificant or without merit. The term became a rhetorical tool to downplay the importance of certain topics or controversies.



2017

Widespread usage in media and popular culture

In 2017, the term 'nothing burger' experienced a resurgence in popular culture. It became a common phrase used in the media, particularly in political commentary, to critique and undermine the significance of certain news stories or scandals. The term gained traction and popularity due to its catchy nature and its ability to succinctly convey a dismissive attitude.


1990s

Cultural references

The term 'nothing burger' started to appear in popular culture during the 1990s. It was used in movies, TV shows, and books to add a touch of humor or to convey a sense of emptiness or insignificance.


Present

Continued usage and evolution

Today, 'nothing burger' remains a popular idiom in American English. Its usage has expanded beyond the political realm and can be found in various contexts, including entertainment, sports, and everyday conversations. The term has also evolved to have variations like 'Nada burger' or 'Zero burger.' Despite its simple origin, 'nothing burger' has become deeply ingrained in the vernacular, representing a way to express indifference, insignificance, or lack of substance.



2000s

Social media era

With the rise of social media in the 2000s, 'nothing burger' became even more prevalent. It found its way into memes, internet slang, and everyday conversations, often used to mock or dismiss something as unimportant.


Present day

Continued usage

The term 'nothing burger' remains in use today and has become a part of the everyday lexicon. It serves as a colorful way to convey the idea of something lacking substance, importance, or significance.


Did you know?

Did you know that the phrase 'nothing burger' was popularized by American politics? It was often used to describe something that seemed important at first but turned out to be completely insignificant. So next time you hear someone talking about a 'nothing burger,' you'll know exactly what they mean!

Tagged

food fun

First identified

29th June 2017

Most mentioned on

29th June 2017

Total mentions

103

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