National Petty Day

Young person with a mischievous smile, wearing a trendy outfit, urban graffiti backdrop, showing off their inner petty. — National petty day illustration

Happy National Petty Day! Today is a perfect day to embrace your inner petty and let your sassy side shine. Get ready to throw some shade, because we're about to dive into the fascinating history of this delightfully petty holiday!

When is Petty Day?

It's national petty day on the 13th April.

The Internet Origins

Every great pettiness begins with a tiny spark of annoyance, and National Petty Day is no exception. This fantastic day was born from the depths of the internet, where petty disputes and sassy comebacks thrive.

Back in 2016, the cyber streets were filled with banter, clapbacks, and the occasional keyboard warrior. It was on April 13th of that year when the online universe united to celebrate the art of pettiness. It quickly became a viral sensation, with 182 mentions flooding the interwebs.

No longer limited to the confines of the digital realm, National Petty Day has now spilled over into the real world. People from all walks of life come together to revel in their pettiest tendencies on this glorious day.

The Celebration

So, how does one celebrate National Petty Day? The possibilities are only limited by your imagination (and your level of pettiness, of course).

You could engage in a friendly (or not so friendly) banter with your friends, family, or co-workers. Throw some playful shade their way and watch them try to come up with a witty comeback.

Or perhaps you prefer a more passive-aggressive approach. Leave sticky notes around the house with subtle hints about your roommates' lackluster dishwashing skills or pop some pithy remarks into the office suggestion box.

Did You Know?

Did you know that pettiness has been around since the dawn of time? Even our ancestors indulged in a bit of pettiness every now and then. From leaving passive-aggressive cave art aimed at rival tribes to sending snarky carrier pigeon messages, humans have always had a knack for being petty.

So let your pettiness shine bright today and revel in the joy of being gloriously petty. Just remember to keep it lighthearted and fun, because nobody likes a truly mean-spirited petty person.

History behind the term 'Petty'

Late 13th century

The Origins

The term 'petty' originated in late 13th century England from the Old French word 'petit' which means 'small' or 'inferior'. At this time, it was used to describe something of small importance or significance. This original meaning laid the foundation for its usage in later years.

16th century

Legal Application

In the 16th century, the term 'petty' started to be widely used in the legal world. It referred to offenses or crimes that were considered less serious or of minor importance. These petty offenses were distinct from more severe crimes and were often subjected to lesser punishments.

18th century

Social Descriptions

By the 18th century, 'petty' began to be used as a description within social contexts. It referred to individuals with an excessive concern for minor details, or those who focused on trivial matters. This usage evolved from the original meaning of small or inferior and became associated with being overly concerned with insignificant matters.

20th century

Associated with Meanness

In the 20th century, the term 'petty' took on connotations of meanness or spitefulness. It started to be used to describe someone who was small-minded, vindictive, or had a tendency to bear grudges. This particular usage highlighted the negative aspects of being preoccupied with trivial matters, portraying it as a character flaw.

Present Day

Modern Usage

Today, 'petty' continues to be used in a variety of contexts. It is commonly used to describe behaviors, actions, or attitudes that are trivial, small-minded, or indicative of an excessive focus on minor matters. The term can be seen in various domains, including personal relationships, politics, and everyday encounters. Its rich history and evolving connotations make 'petty' a fascinating word that reflects the cultural shifts in society over the centuries.