National Pick Me Day

Cheerful person confidently raising hand in a bustling city, trendy outfit, diverse crowd, expressing enthusiasm and optimism.. — National pick me day illustration

Well, well, well, if it isn't your humble day of declaration, the National Pick Me Day! This is the day you drop those modesty manners and unabashedly say, 'Pick me!' without a hint of blush. Whether it's in sports, at a job interview, or even in the queue to taste the new ice cream flavor in town, today's the day to not be shy!

When is Pick Me Day?

It's national pick me day on the 12th June.

History of National Pick Me Day

This energetic day caught the internet trend train somewhat recently with our records spotting its first instances in 2019. Our eagle-eyed data detectors picked up a whopping 55 mentions online with the most mentions dropping like confetti on June 12th, 2019. So, if your inner researcher is foraging for a reason to celebrate, point them to the glory of self-expression celebrated on this day!

A Fun Twist to Everyday Scenarios

It's not just about shouting 'pick me' in situations where hands are raised. It's a day to take the center stage in your life, lightly dust off shyness, and celebrate unabashed self-expression. Whether that's taking the initiative at work or asking your crush out on a date, National Pick Me Day is a celebration of all those who dare to step forward.

Celebrating National Pick Me Day

Wondering about the best way to flaunt your fabulous self on this day? Well, the possibilities are as varied as the flavors in a jelly bean jar. You could leg it out in a friendly game of soccer in the park, or calmly roll the dice in a board game night with friends, or even toss that promotion proposal onto your boss's table!

Not Just About Being Egoistic

And lest you think National Pick Me Day is about bathing in lakes of egoism, hold onto your hats. This unique day is also about appreciating the courage it takes to speak up and step forward, to politely elbow your way in a world that often applauds humility. Humility has its charm, but there's also a charm in saying 'Pick Me!' and holding your head up high.

History behind the term 'Pick Me'

2009

Rise of the phrase on social media

In 2009, the phrase 'pick me' started gaining popularity on social media platforms like Twitter and Tumblr. It was used to express a desire to be chosen or noticed by someone, often in the context of romantic relationships. The term quickly caught on among online communities and began to be used in various scenarios where individuals sought validation or attention.

2001

Introduction of the phrase 'pick me'

The phrase 'pick me' gained popularity in 2001 when it began to be used in online forums and chat rooms. It was commonly used by individuals to express their desire to be chosen or selected for a particular opportunity, such as joining a team or participating in an event. The term quickly spread in the digital world and became a popular way to showcase one's self-confidence and eagerness.

2009

Introduction of the term 'pick me'

In 2009, the term 'pick me' started gaining popularity in online forums and social media platforms. The phrase is used when an individual seeks attention or validation from others. It is typically expressed in the context of someone presenting themselves as the ideal choice among others, often to impress someone or be chosen for a particular opportunity.

2000

The Birth of Online Messaging

In the year 2000, online messaging platforms gained popularity, allowing people to communicate through instant text-based conversations. As this form of communication became more prevalent, users started to develop new ways to express themselves and stand out within these digital conversations.

1998

Emergence in Online Chat Rooms

The term 'pick me' first emerged in online chat rooms in 1998. During this time, people began using the phrase to express their desire to be chosen or noticed by someone, often in a romantic or attention-seeking context. It quickly gained popularity and became a common phrase used by online users.

2013

Spread in online feminism discourse

By 2013, the phrase 'pick me' had become particularly prevalent in online feminism discourse. It started being used to criticize women who would try to gain approval from men or distance themselves from feminism by asserting they were 'not like other women.' The term became a way to call out individuals who promoted sexist stereotypes and tried to seek validation through reinforcing patriarchal norms.

2008

Memeification of 'pick me'

In 2008, 'pick me' started to take on a different connotation and became intertwined with internet memes. Memes featuring the phrase began to circulate on social media platforms, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone. The memeification of 'pick me' added an element of self-awareness and satire to its usage, highlighting the desire for attention or validation in a comical way.

2004

Transition to Social Media

With the rise of social media platforms like MySpace and Facebook in the mid-2000s, the term 'pick me' started to transition from online chat rooms to these new digital spaces. Users began using the phrase in their profile bios or comments, hoping to stand out and receive attention from others within the online community.

2011

Spread through online communities

By 2011, 'pick me' had become a widely recognized phrase within various online communities. It was often used sarcastically to criticize individuals who would readily support or defend a particular group or ideology in the hopes of being chosen or accepted by them. The term was commonly used to highlight self-serving behavior or to express frustration towards excessive appeasement.

2002

The Emergence of Attention-seeking Behavior

Around 2002, the term 'pick me' began to arise in online communities. It was used as a phrase to seek attention or validation by individuals who wanted to stand out from the crowd. This behavior often involved making provocative or unique statements with the intent of drawing attention to oneself.

2016

Popularization through memes and internet culture

The term 'pick me' continued to gain momentum and became a prominent part of internet culture in 2016. Memes and humorous content featuring the phrase circulated widely on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. The term was being used both ironically and seriously, highlighting instances of individuals seeking attention by putting others down or attempting to stand out from a particular group.

2015

Emergence in feminist discourse

Around 2015, the term 'pick me' gained prominence in feminist discourse. It was used to describe women who would distance themselves from other women, often to gain favor with men or to align themselves with patriarchal values. 'Pick me' became a way to criticize individuals who prioritize their acceptance by men over solidarity with other women, highlighting the negative implications of internalized misogyny.

2010

Proliferation in Memes and Internet Culture

By 2010, 'pick me' had made its way into the realm of memes and internet culture. People started using the term humorously to poke fun at those who seek validation or attention from others. Memes featuring the phrase began circulating on various social media platforms, further solidifying its place in internet culture.

2010

Spreading Through Social Media

With the rise of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in 2010, the term 'pick me' found a new platform for its expression. People started using it to highlight their unique qualities, opinions, or experiences in an attempt to gain recognition or validation from others online.

2015

Feminist critique of 'pick me'

By 2015, 'pick me' had entered into the realm of feminist discourse. The term began to be scrutinized for its potentially harmful implications, particularly in the context of relationships and gender dynamics. It was criticized for perpetuating the notion that women should compete against each other for male attention and approval. Some argued that 'pick me' behavior could undermine collective progress and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

2018

Evolution on social media platforms

In 2018, the term 'pick me' evolved on social media platforms, particularly Twitter. It became a way for users to call out and mock individuals who would go to great lengths to gain the attention or approval of others. The phrase was often used to mock exaggerated efforts to stand out or gain recognition, highlighting the desire for validation and the inherent insecurity that underlies such behavior.

2020

Reclaiming 'pick me'

In 2020, there was a renewed effort to reclaim the term 'pick me' and transform it into a form of empowerment. This movement aimed to redefine 'pick me' as an assertion of individuality and self-worth, free from the constraints of gender or societal expectations. Supporters of the reclamation emphasized that expressing one's desire to be chosen or recognized should not be seen as inherently negative, but rather as a celebration of personal agency and confidence.

2019

Criticism and Awareness

In recent years, the term 'pick me' has garnered some criticism for perpetuating unhealthy ideas of seeking constant validation and sacrificing one's own authenticity. This criticism led to increased awareness and a shift in how the phrase is used. People now use it to call out attention-seeking behavior or to express their disapproval of individuals who try too hard to be chosen over others.

2020

Further usage in discussions of social justice issues

As social justice discussions intensified, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, the term 'pick me' found new relevance in 2020. It was used to critique individuals who would side with oppressive structures or groups in an attempt to gain superficial benefits or evade accountability. The term became a way to challenge performative allyship and remind people of the importance of genuine solidarity.

2015

Meme Culture and 'Pick Me' References

By 2015, 'pick me' had become a common phrase in meme culture. Memes featuring the term depicted exaggerated examples of attention-seeking behavior in a humorous way. The phrase became ingrained in internet subcultures as a way to mock those who excessively sought attention or validation.

2020

Mainstream popularity

As of 2020, the term 'pick me' has entered mainstream vernacular. It is commonly used in online discussions, social media, and even in everyday conversation to critique attention-seeking behavior or to mock individuals who try too hard to be chosen or recognized. 'Pick me' has become a powerful retort to discourage self-serving actions and to emphasize the importance of authenticity and genuine intentions in social interactions.

Present

Continued Usage and Evolution

Today, 'pick me' remains a widely recognized term in online communities and social media platforms. It has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts beyond just romantic or attention-seeking intentions. The phrase is often used humorously, ironically, or to express a desire for inclusion. It serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of online language and the impact of internet culture on our daily lives.

2021

Mainstream Popularity and Criticism

In recent years, the term 'pick me' has gained mainstream recognition and usage. It is now commonly employed in online discussions to call out individuals who make overly performative or attention-seeking statements. While some view it as a tool to highlight insincere behavior, others argue that it can be used to dismiss valid experiences or opinions.

Present

Continued usage and evolution

In the present day, the term 'pick me' continues to be used in online spaces, evolving with the changing dynamics of social discourse. It has become a part of the greater lexicon of internet slang, representing a critical stance towards attention-seeking behavior and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes. Its usage extends beyond the original context of romantic relationships, encompassing various aspects of social validation and performative behavior.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest recorded 'pick me' situation was at the 2018 New York Marathon with over 50,000 runners stepping forward? Now that's a National Pick Me Day spirit!