National Pick Your Nose Day

Young child with a magnifying glass inspecting their nostril, wearing a detective hat, exploring the world of nose picking.. — National pick your nose day illustration

Welcome, fellow nose pickers (or should I say, nose explorer extraordinaires)! Get ready to celebrate National Pick Your Nose Day, a day dedicated to the art of auricular excavation. This lighthearted occasion gives us the perfect excuse to delve into the rich history of nostril excavations and celebrate the ways in which our nasal passages provide endless amusement. So, grab a tissue, channel your inner archaeologist, and let's dive nose-first into the wonderful world of picking!

When is Pick Your Nose Day?

It's national pick your nose day on the 13th October.

The Origins of National Pick Your Nose Day

Unlike some national days, National Pick Your Nose Day doesn't have a clear origin story. Strangely enough, it seems that this holiday emerged organically within the depths of the internet, with people whimsically embracing the absurdity of celebrating this peculiar habit. And since the internet is notorious for embracing the weird and wonderful, it's no surprise that National Pick Your Nose Day quickly gained traction and a devoted following.

While we may never know the exact origins, we can trace the early mentions of this holiday back to October 13th, 2017, when 15 brave souls decided to take their nasal explorations public. Since then, the celebration has grown each year, with people proudly donning their finger mining gear and sharing their adventures across social media platforms.

Why Celebrate National Pick Your Nose Day?

Now, you might be wondering why on earth we would devote a whole day to picking our noses. Well, dear reader, the answer is simple: it's all about embracing the joys of life's little oddities. National Pick Your Nose Day reminds us to find humor in the mundane, to celebrate the quirks and eccentricities that make us human.

Plus, let's be honest, there's something strangely satisfying about successfully extracting that stubborn booger that's been teasing you all day. It's a small victory in a chaotic world, a moment of personal triumph that brings a sense of satisfaction unlike any other. So, why not take a moment to revel in this bizarre pastime and spread some joy (and maybe a few germs) along the way?

Did You Know?

Here's a fun and slightly gross fact for you: Did you know that our noses produce an average of one liter of mucus each day? Yes, you heard that right - one whole liter! So, the next time you're feeling a little congested, take comfort in the knowledge that your nostrils are working hard to keep things flowing.

History behind the term 'Pick Your Nose'

1800s

Emergence of the term

In the 1800s, the term 'pick your nose' started being used to describe the action of inserting a finger into one's nose. This expression originated from the simple act of physically removing something, such as dirt or gunk, from inside the nose with the use of a finger. Although informal, the term gained popularity and remained in common usage throughout the years.

1920s

Idiomatic usage

By the 1920s, 'pick your nose' had transitioned beyond its literal meaning and found its place in idiomatic usage. The term began to be employed figuratively, representing the act of choosing or selecting someone or something carefully and deliberately, akin to physically 'picking' an object or substance. This idiomatic usage of 'pick your nose' added a layer of humor and lightheartedness to the phrase.

1950s

Playful association

During the 1950s, the term 'pick your nose' started to be playfully associated with the act of choosing or selecting a course of action, often in a mischievous or cheeky manner. This association added a comedic twist to decision-making, highlighting the freedom to make unconventional or playful choices. As a result, 'pick your nose' became an amusing phrase used to suggest a person's ability to make unique, sometimes unexpected decisions.

1980s

Schoolyard antics

Throughout the 1980s, 'pick your nose' took on a new connotation primarily associated with schoolyard humor and childish pranks. Children would commonly use this term to provoke laughter or as a taunt, sometimes coupled with a hand gesture mimicking the action of picking one's nose. Although often regarded as silly or gross, this usage of the term further embedded it into popular culture and expanded its playful appeal.

Present day

Common colloquialism

In the present day, 'pick your nose' has become a common colloquialism with a wide range of interpretations. It retains its literal meaning of physically removing something from inside the nose, but it also encompasses the idiomatic sense of carefully choosing or selecting, the playful association with decision-making, and the schoolyard humor it gained along the way. This versatile term continues to evoke a mix of amusement, lightheartedness, and occasional gross-out factor in various contexts.