National Po Day

Group of diverse people joyfully reciting poetry, wearing trendy clothing, urban park setting, colorful mural in the background.. — National po day illustration

Welcome to the wacky and wonderful world of National Po Day! Get ready to laugh, learn, and appreciate the magical power of po. This day is all about celebrating the fascinating history and undeniable charm of po in all its forms. So buckle up and let's dive into the weird and wonderful world of po!

When is Po Day?

It's national po day on the 5th October.

A Brief History of National Po Day

Every year on October 5th, people around the world come together to celebrate National Po Day. But where did this quirky holiday come from? Well, the origins of National Po Day are a bit mysterious. Some say it started as a silly internet trend, while others believe it was created by a group of po enthusiasts who wanted to spread joy and laughter.

Regardless of its origins, National Po Day has quickly become a beloved celebration of all things po. From adorable animal photos to hilarious videos and memes, the internet explodes with po-related content on this special day.

How to Celebrate National Po Day

Ready to join in on the po-tastic fun? Here are a few ideas to make the most of National Po Day:

Embrace Your Inner Poet: Channel your creative side and write a funny poem about po. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece—just let your imagination run wild!
Share Memorable Po Moments: Whether it's a hilarious video or a cute photo, share your favorite po-related moments with friends and family. Spread the po love!
Throw a Po Party: Gather your loved ones and host a po-themed celebration. From decorations to food, let po be the star of the show!

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that the word 'po' is actually derived from the Latin word 'pusillus,' which means 'tiny' or 'small'? It perfectly captures the adorable and often pint-sized nature of po-related things.

History behind the term 'Po'

1897

Origins in African American Vernacular English

The term 'po' originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). AAVE is a distinctive variety of English spoken primarily by African Americans. 'Po' derived from the word 'poor' and was used as an affectionate term to refer to someone or something small, tiny, or cute. It became a popular term of endearment within the African American community.

14th century

Medieval origins

The term 'po' originates from the Middle English word 'po', which is believed to have been derived from the Old French word 'peu' or 'peau' meaning 'little' or 'few'. It was commonly used to indicate an insignificant amount or quantity of something.

1832

Origin of the term 'po'

The term 'po' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in England. It was derived from the Romani language, which is spoken by the Roma people, also known as Gypsies. In Romani, 'po' means 'half' or 'half a portion.' The Roma community is known for their nomadic lifestyle and their unique language, which has influenced several English expressions.

1665

First Recorded Use

The term 'po' is first recorded in Samuel Pepys' diary. Pepys, an English naval administrator, used 'po' as an abbreviation for 'poor'. The context in which he used the term suggests that it was used to denote sympathy or pity towards someone's unfortunate circumstances.

1659

First recorded instance

The term 'po' can be traced back to 1659, where it was first recorded in the English language. It is believed to have originated from the Northern English dialect and was likely derived from the word 'poo,' meaning 'to make a noise' or 'to shout.' Initially, 'po' was used as an exclamation or interjection to get someone's attention or express surprise.

1928

Popularity in Jazz Music

During the 1920s, jazz music was thriving, and AAVE had a significant impact on the language used by jazz musicians. The term 'po' found its way into jazz lyrics, often used colloquially to refer to a girlfriend or a loved one. Jazz vocalists, such as Louis Armstrong, popularized the term in their songs, contributing to its wider recognition.

19th century

Usage in nursery rhymes

During the 19th century, 'po' gained popularity in nursery rhymes and children's literature. It frequently appeared in the famous nursery rhyme 'Hey Diddle Diddle,' specifically in the line 'Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon, the little dog laughed to see such sport, and the dish ran away with the spoon.' 'Po' was used in this rhyme as a sound effect to mimic the noise made by the laughing dog.

19th Century

Cockney Rhyming Slang

In the 19th century, the term 'po' was adopted as a part of Cockney Rhyming Slang, a cryptic language used by speakers in London's East End. In this context, 'po' stood for 'policeman'. The use of 'po' helped to conceal the true meaning of the word, allowing individuals to speak covertly about police presence.

1920

Usage of 'po' as slang

During the 1920s, the term 'po' began to be used as slang in British English. It was primarily used in working-class communities and among street vendors to refer to a small or half portion of something. For example, a street vendor selling bread might offer a 'po' loaf, indicating it was smaller than the regular size. This usage highlighted the Romani influence on everyday language and its integration into British urban culture.

19th century

Evolution into a slang expression

In the 19th century, the term 'po' took on a new meaning when it evolved into a slang expression in England. It was primarily used to refer to an unfavorable or unfortunate situation, often associated with poverty or deprivation.

Early 20th century

Usage in British comic strips

In the early 20th century, 'po' found its way into British comic strips, especially those featuring children or animals. It became a popular sound effect and was often used to represent a soft sound or a light impact. The term 'po' was visually depicted in comic strips as a small burst or cloud-shaped image near a character, indicating a gentle action or movement.

20th century

Use in popular culture

During the 20th century, the term 'po' gained popularity in various forms of entertainment, including literature and music. It started appearing in comedic sketches, songs, and even children's books, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

20th Century

The Birth of Poetry

In the 20th century, the term 'po' took on a new meaning within the Beat Generation and counterculture movements. Inspired by jazz and spoken word, 'po' emerged as a shortened form of 'poet' or 'poetry'. It became a symbol of artistic expression and rebellion against established norms.

1940

Spread through Literature

As African American literature gained recognition and popularity, the term 'po' found its way into books and poems written by African American authors. Writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston used it in their works, further cementing its place in the cultural lexicon. 'Po' became synonymous with endearment and affection.

1960

Inclusion of 'po' in Oxford English Dictionary

In 1960, the term 'po' was officially recognized and included in the Oxford English Dictionary. Its definition was listed as a noun meaning a small or half portion of something. This recognition further solidified the term's place in the English language and its understanding among a wider audience. The entry in the prestigious dictionary helped preserve the historical and cultural significance of 'po'.

1980s

'Po' in children's literature

In the 1980s, the term 'po' gained popularity in children's literature, particularly with the creation of the Teletubbies, a British children's television series. The character 'Po' was a small red Teletubby, and her name directly referenced the slang term 'po'. Through this character, children became familiar with the term in a playful and interactive way, further spreading its usage and raising awareness about its origin and meaning.

Late 20th century

Integration into internet slang

With the rise of the internet and online communication, 'po' found its way into internet slang. It became a shorthand expression to convey disappointment, sympathy, or condolence, often used in response to someone sharing unfortunate news or experiences.

1960s

Integration into Mainstream American English

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, African American Vernacular English gained visibility and acceptance as a legitimate dialect. As a result, some terms, including 'po,' began to integrate into mainstream American English. 'Po' continued to be used as a term of endearment across different communities, transcending its origins.

1960s

Introduction in television

During the 1960s, 'po' made its way into mainstream television with the introduction of children's shows like 'Teletubbies.' The character Tinky Winky would often say 'Eh-oh!' and follow it up with the catchphrase 'Tubby bye-bye, po!' Here, 'po' was used as a name for one of the Teletubbies and became associated with the character's playful and curious nature.

1990

Text Messaging Abbreviation

With the rise of text messaging and limited characters, the term 'po' found its way into the world of shorthand communication. It became popular as an abbreviation for 'post office' or 'postal order', often used to refer to messages or parcels being sent through traditional mail services.

Internet Age

Popularity on social media

In the age of the internet and social media, 'po' found its way into popular culture once again. It became a widely used slang term on online platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok, where it is often used playfully in captions, comments, or as a standalone expression. Its meaning has evolved to represent surprise, excitement, or an element of randomness.

Present

Enduring Cultural Impact

Today, the term 'po' remains a part of the cultural fabric in both African American communities and the broader American society. It is often used to express affection, playfulness, or cuteness. The continued usage and recognition of 'po' highlight its enduring cultural impact and its ability to evolve beyond its original context.

Present day

Continued usage and evolution

Today, the term 'po' continues to be used in both its original and slang forms. It has become a recognizable term with a wide range of meanings, depending on the context and cultural references. From its humble medieval origins to its integration into modern internet culture, 'po' has left its mark on the English language.

Present

Continued usage and cultural significance

Today, 'po' continues to be used in British English, often in a nostalgic or affectionate manner. It has become a part of the cultural fabric, representing the integration of Romani language and culture into mainstream society. The term 'po' serves as a reminder of the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that shape the English language and highlight the historical contributions of various communities.

Present Day

Pop Culture Usage

In the present day, 'po' continues to evolve and find new cultural significance. It has been popularized in various forms of media and entertainment, such as the children's television show Teletubbies, where 'Po' is the name of one of the main characters. Additionally, 'po' has entered internet slang, where it is often used humorously or ironically.