National Pull Day

Young child pulling a red wagon, wearing overalls and a straw hat, in a colorful garden setting.. — National pull day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Pull Day! How on earth did this strange day come about? Well, let me tell you the story behind this curious occasion.

When is Pull Day?

It's national pull day on the 30th November.

The Origins of National Pull Day

Believe it or not, National Pull Day has nothing to do with your morning workout or a game of tug-of-war. This peculiar holiday actually originated on the internet, where people across the globe discovered a shared love for pulling pranks and jokes on one another.

It all began back in the early days of the internet, when mischief-makers realized they could use the vast reach of the world wide web to pull off some epic pranks. From harmless email hoaxes to hilarious website spoofs, the online community quickly embraced the culture of pulling pranks.

National Pull Day was established as a way to celebrate this mischievous spirit and to encourage people to engage in good-natured pranks. It's a day to let loose, have some fun, and maybe even trick your friends and loved ones (but in a totally wholesome and light-hearted way, of course!).

How to Celebrate National Pull Day

Celebrating National Pull Day is all about tapping into your playful side. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Play a harmless prank on a friend or family member. Just make sure it's something silly and fun, not something that could actually cause harm or embarrassment.
Create a spoof website or social media account. As long as it's all in good fun and not meant to deceive or harm anyone, it can be a great way to get a few laughs.
Share funny jokes and memes with your friends online. Laughter is contagious, so spread some joy by sharing hilarious content with your social media followers.

A Fun Fact About National Pull Day

Did you know that National Pull Day holds the record for the most internet searches on November 30, 2016? It seems like pranksters from around the world were particularly active on that day, spreading laughter and confusion in equal measure.

History behind the term 'Pull'

1300

Origins of the term

The term 'pull' has its origins in Middle English from the 14th century. It comes from the Old English word 'pullian' which means to move or draw something towards oneself with force.

c. 1500

Origins of the term 'pull'

The term 'pull' originates from the Old English word 'pullian,' which means to tug or draw forcibly. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'pullōną.' The early usage of 'pull' often referred to physical actions such as pulling objects or pulling on ropes.

1375

Origins of 'pull'

The term 'pull' originated in the 14th century, derived from the Old French word 'puller' meaning 'to draw, to tug'. It initially referred to the act of exerting force to move something towards oneself, often using physical strength. This usage can be traced back to writings from the time, such as Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'.

c. 1300

Old English Origins

The term 'pull' finds its origins in Old English, where it was derived from the word 'pullian', meaning to pluck or tug. In its early usage, 'pull' primarily referred to the act of exerting force to bring something closer or in a particular direction. This word had various lexical influences over the centuries and went through semantic shifts to become what it is today.

c.1300

The Initial Inspirations

The term 'pull' originates from the Middle English word 'pullen,' which means 'to pluck or to draw out.' It was initially used to describe the action of pulling or drawing something forcefully, typically with a great amount of strength. This term derived from Old English 'pullian' and ultimately from the Proto-Germanic 'pulōną.'

1590

Fishing term

The term 'pull' was initially used as a fishing term in the late 16th century. It referred to the action of pulling in one's fishing line to catch fish from the water. This term was commonly used by fishermen to describe the act of drawing in their lines after feeling a tug or resistance.

1644

The Birth of 'Pull'

The term 'pull' originated in the English language in the year 1644. It emerged from the Middle English word 'pullen,' which means 'to pluck or draw.' The word was widely used to describe physically tugging or drawing an object towards oneself.

1200s

Ancient Origins

The term 'pull' has its roots in the Middle English word 'pullen' which means 'to pluck, pluck out, or extract'. This term was commonly used to describe the action of physically removing or drawing something towards oneself. It was often associated with manual labor or the act of pulling on a rope or handle.

1680

Origin in sailing

The term 'pull' originally originated in sailing during the year 1680. It was used to describe the action of pulling on a rope or line to adjust the sails. Sailors would 'pull' the ropes to manipulate the sail's position or to help steer the ship.

c. 1300

Origins of 'pull'

The term 'pull' originated in the 14th century and is derived from the Middle English word 'pullen', which means 'to pluck or to draw out forcefully'. This term was commonly used to describe the action of tugging or drawing something towards oneself with force.

c. 1709

Expansion of 'pull' to include metaphorical meanings

By the 18th century, the term 'pull' began to be used metaphorically to convey various meanings beyond the physical act of pulling. It started being used to describe the influence one person has over another, as in 'pulling the strings' or 'having a pull'. This expanded usage reflected the power dynamics and social connections that individuals possessed.

16th Century

Nautical Influence

During the 16th century, the term 'pull' gained popularity in the maritime world. It was commonly used to describe the action of rowing a boat with oars. Sailors would 'pull' the oars through the water to propel the vessel forward. This nautical usage of 'pull' has survived to the present day, particularly in rowing sports or when referring to the action of rowing.

1709

Physical exertion

In the early 18th century, the term 'pull' began to be used in a broader sense to describe any act of physical exertion or forceful movement. This expansion of the term's usage coincided with an era of growing industrialization and increased manual labor, where the concept of a 'pull' became associated with tasks that required strength or effort.

1500s

Nautical Usage

During the 16th century, the term 'pull' gained traction in nautical terminology. It was used to describe the action of propelling a boat or ship forward by pulling on the oars or sails. The term was commonly used by sailors and seafarers to coordinate their efforts in order to maneuver the vessel through the water.

17th century

Expansion of 'pull' to metaphorical use

During the 17th century, the term 'pull' started to be used metaphorically to describe exerting influence or having an effect on someone or something. This metaphorical usage expanded the meaning of 'pull' beyond its physical connotation, allowing it to describe a wide range of actions that could exert control or influence over a situation.

1600s

Shift to metaphorical usage

In the 17th century, the term 'pull' began to be used in a metaphorical sense, extending beyond the physical act of pulling. It started to describe the ability to attract or influence someone or something. This figurative use of 'pull' is found in literary works of the era, such as Shakespeare's plays, where characters exerted psychological, emotional, or social 'pull' over each other.

c.1600

Nautical Importance

During the 17th century, the term 'pull' gained significance in nautical contexts. It became associated with the act of pulling oars or ropes on a ship, indicating the physical exertion required to propel the vessel through the water. The phrase 'pulling together' also arose, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and coordination on board.

1550

Nautical usage

In the 16th century, 'pull' became commonly used in nautical contexts. It referred to the action of rowing or propelling a boat by using oars. This usage of 'pull' was associated with the physical effort required to move a boat through the water.

1820

Integration into daily life

By the year 1820, the term 'pull' had made its way into everyday language. It started to be used metaphorically outside of the maritime context. People began using the term to describe the action of exerting force to move or drag something towards oneself, similar to how sailors pulled on ropes to control the sails.

1769

Expanding Meanings

In 1769, the term 'pull' began to acquire additional meanings beyond the physical act of pulling. It started being used metaphorically to indicate the act of exerting influence or control over someone or something. This extension of meaning demonstrated the dynamic nature of language and its ability to adapt and evolve over time.

c. 1850

Introduction of 'pull' in relation to transportation

In the mid-19th century, the term 'pull' found its way into the transportation industry. It became an integral part of describing the action of drawing or propelling a vehicle, such as a horse-drawn carriage or a steam engine. This usage emphasized the effort exerted in moving objects or people from one place to another.

1800s

Industrial Revolution

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the term 'pull' took on a broader meaning. It became associated with the act of operating machinery or equipment by pulling levers, handles, or cords. This usage extended beyond physical pulling and included actions like starting engines, activating mechanisms, or initiating a process by pulling a lever or handle.

1832

Transportation

By the early 19th century, 'pull' also gained significance in the context of transportation. It became a commonly used term to describe the action of drawing or hauling a vehicle or load by exerting force. This usage emerged alongside the rapid development of horse-drawn carriages, where the act of pulling the carriage became an essential component of transportation.

1825

Applied to Transportation

By the year 1825, 'pull' had found its way into the realm of transportation. It became commonly associated with horse-drawn vehicles and steam engines. This term was used to describe the action of guiding or controlling horses or operating machinery to make them move forward by applying a pulling force. Its usage in this context reflected the growing industrialization of society during the 19th century.

1893

Relationship to attraction

In 1893, the word 'pull' started being used in the context of attraction or seduction. It referred to the ability to attract and entice someone romantically. The term became especially popular among young people and was commonly used in dating and socializing scenarios.

19th century

Inclusion of 'pull' in idiomatic expressions

In the 19th century, 'pull' became a central element in various idiomatic expressions in the English language. Expressions like 'pull strings' or 'pull some strings' emerged, referring to using one's influence or connections to achieve a desired outcome. The term 'pull' took on a figurative meaning in these expressions, emphasizing the use of personal connections or power to accomplish something.

1800

Harnessing steam power

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, 'pull' found new significance. It was used to describe the action of a steam engine or locomotive, which pulled or hauled heavy loads. This marked the expansion of the term beyond manual physical force.

19th century

Development of 'pull' in relation to locomotives

During the 19th century, a new context emerged for the term 'pull' with the advent of steam-powered locomotives. 'Pull' became associated with the pulling force exerted by the locomotive to move a train. This technical usage solidified 'pull' as a term in the railway industry and entered everyday language to describe the action of a train engine drawing carriages behind it.

19th Century

Influence on Industrialization

The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the term 'pull' during the 19th century. With the advent of machinery, 'pull' took on a new meaning related to operating levers and handles to activate mechanical devices. It became associated with the action of pulling a lever or cord to start or control machinery. This expansion of the term's usage reflected the societal shift towards industrialization and automation.

c.1700

Transportation Evolution

As transportation methods evolved, the term 'pull' found new applications. With the emergence of horse-drawn carriages, 'pulling' became connected to the action of guiding and moving these vehicles. This association expanded further with the introduction of steam engines, where locomotives 'pulled' trains along the tracks.

20th Century

Metaphorical Usage

In the 20th century, the term 'pull' began to be used metaphorically to describe influence or persuasion. It commonly referred to the ability to attract, charm, or persuade someone to do something. This usage became particularly prevalent in social and romantic contexts, where the act of 'pulling' was often associated with successfully attracting a person of interest.

c. 1893

Evolution of 'pull' in sports

During the late 19th century, 'pull' began to be associated with sports, specifically rowing. It referred to the coordinated action of rowers pulling the oars through the water to propel the boat forward. This usage highlighted the collective effort and synchronization required for success in competitive sports.

1887

Train terminology

The term 'pull' found its place in train terminology in the late 19th century. In railway systems, it referred to the action of a locomotive pulling a train. The term was used to describe the force exerted by the locomotive to move the train forward. This development highlighted the significance of 'pull' as a symbol of power and locomotion.

20th century

Influence on popular culture

In the 20th century, the term 'pull' became deeply ingrained in popular culture. It was widely used in songs, films, and literature. Artists employed the term to evoke emotional connections, romantic endeavors, or personal ambitions. This cultural impact cemented 'pull' as a versatile word that resonated with people from various backgrounds, emphasizing the power of attraction and influence.

c.1800

Labor and Industrialization

The Industrial Revolution brought about tremendous changes, and the term 'pull' became tied to labor and industrial work. Factory workers used 'pull' to describe the action of physically moving or operating machinery. It also denoted the act of exerting force to move heavy objects or to perform demanding manual tasks.

1960

Popularity in pop culture

During the 1960s, the term 'pull' gained significant popularity in pop culture, particularly in the United Kingdom. It became synonymous with successfully attracting a member of the opposite sex. The phrase 'pulling someone' was frequently used to indicate a sexual or romantic encounter.

1873

A Nautical Twist

In 1873, 'pull' further expanded its reach and entered the nautical lexicon. Sailors and mariners adopted the term to refer to the action of drawing or hoisting sails. This usage showcased the adaptability of the term across various domains and illustrated the maritime influence on language development.

20th Century

Pull as Slang

In the early 20th century, 'pull' took on additional connotations, particularly in British slang. It started being used to describe the act of successfully attracting or charming someone romantically. For example, 'pulling someone' referred to the act of initiating a romantic or sexual encounter. This slang usage became ingrained in popular culture, leading to the term's continued association with dating and attraction.

1890

Influence on sports

During the late 19th century, 'pull' also made its way into sports vocabulary. It became associated with activities like tug-of-war and weightlifting, where participants exerted force to move or lift objects.

20th century

'Pull' in modern slang and popular culture

In the 20th century, 'pull' continued to evolve and found its way into modern slang and popular culture. It became commonly used as a verb to describe attracting or successfully seducing someone, especially in the context of romantic relationships. This slang usage of 'pull' gained popularity particularly in the United Kingdom, where it is often used to mean 'to successfully initiate intimate contact with someone.'

1945

Connection to Tugging Emotions

By 1945, 'pull' had also gained metaphorical significance related to emotions. It started being used colloquially to express attraction or the feeling of being drawn towards someone romantically. This usage highlighted how language can creatively convey complex emotions through simple terms, adding depth and dimension to interpersonal communication.

Present Day

Modern Usage

In the present day, the term 'pull' continues to be used in various contexts. It is still widely used in its original physical sense, referring to actions such as pulling objects, ropes, or handles. Additionally, the metaphorical usage of 'pull' to denote influence or attraction remains prevalent in everyday language. The term has also found its way into popular culture, where phrases like 'pulling strings' or 'pulling off' have become common idiomatic expressions.

Present

Ubiquitous usage

In the present day, the term 'pull' remains widely used across various contexts. It still signifies the act of attracting, seducing, or drawing someone towards oneself. Additionally, it has become ingrained in contemporary slang, often referencing achieving success or obtaining something desirable.

20th Century

Influence on Slang and Expressions

Over time, the term 'pull' broadened its usage beyond its literal meaning. In slang and vernacular language, 'pull' began to represent a variety of actions related to influence, attraction, or success. Phrases like 'pulling strings,' 'pulling off,' or 'having a pull' emerged, encompassing notions such as exerting personal influence, achieving a particular outcome, or being socially adept.

Present day

Continued relevance and usage

In the present day, the term 'pull' remains a ubiquitous part of everyday language. It encompasses a range of meanings, from physical actions involving force to metaphorical expressions of attraction, influence, or control. 'Pull' has become an integral element of human communication, reflecting our innate desire to exert power and draw things closer to us, whether physically or metaphorically.

1920

Influence in colloquial language

Throughout the 20th century, 'pull' gained further prominence in colloquial language. It started being used to describe attracting or alluring someone, particularly in a romantic sense. This usage is often seen in phrases like 'pulling someone's heartstrings' or 'pulling someone's attention.'

1920

Influence on slang

During the Roaring Twenties, 'pull' gained popularity as a slang term. It became commonly used to refer to the act of attracting or successfully courting someone. This usage of 'pull' reflected the association between physical force and the ability to attract or charm someone romantically.

Present Day

Contemporary Usage

In the present day, 'pull' continues to be a versatile term with multiple meanings and applications. It is widely used in everyday language to describe actions such as exerting force, rowing, activating machinery, attraction, and influence. The term has become deeply rooted in various industries, sports, and social contexts, reflecting its enduring cultural impact throughout the centuries.

c. 1920

Inclusion of 'pull' in the labor movement

In the early 20th century, 'pull' gained significance in the context of the labor movement. It was used to describe the ability of workers to exert influence or pressure on management. The term reflected the collective bargaining power and unity of workers in various industries, emphasizing their ability to 'pull' in their favor.

Present

Modern usage of 'pull'

Today, 'pull' continues to be used in a wide variety of contexts, encapsulating both literal and metaphorical meanings. It represents the act of exerting force, influence, or control over something or someone. From physical actions to social dynamics, 'pull' remains a versatile and dynamic term in the English language.

Today

Diverse usage

In contemporary language, 'pull' is used in a variety of contexts, ranging from everyday activities to specialized fields. Whether it's pulling a door open, pulling an all-nighter, or pulling an upset in sports, the term has evolved to encompass a multitude of meanings and applications in our daily lives.

2000

Modern slang usage

In the modern age, especially with the rise of internet culture, 'pull' has taken on new meanings in slang. It can refer to successfully seducing or attracting someone, often used in phrases like 'pulling someone' or 'pulling a date.' Additionally, 'pulling' can also mean obtaining or acquiring something, such as 'pulling an all-nighter' to complete a task.

Present day

Widespread usage

Today, 'pull' is a ubiquitous term used in various contexts, from describing physical exertion to playful flirtation to accomplishing tasks. Its evolution from its Middle English origins to its current versatile usage showcases the enduring nature of language and its ability to adapt and change with society.