National Sm Day

Young child drawing with smelly markers, surrounded by smurfs, smarties, and s'mores ingredients, in a colorful arts and crafts room.. — National sm day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National sm Day! Get ready to celebrate an extraordinary day dedicated to all things sm- whether it's a smurf, smarties, or even a good old-fashioned game of s'mores, this day has got you covered. So, grab your smelly markers and get ready for some sm-tacular fun!

When is Sm Day?

It's national sm day on the 17th July.

The Origins of National sm Day

Believe it or not, National sm Day has quite an interesting history. The origins of this unique celebration can be traced back to 1973, when a group of friends decided to honor their favorite childhood toys - the smurfs. These adorable blue creatures captured the hearts of many, and soon enough, National sm Day was born. It quickly became a day to commemorate all things sm-related and has since evolved to include a wide range of sm-tastic activities.

How to Celebrate National sm Day

When it comes to celebrating National sm Day, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few sm-azing ideas to get you started:

Throw a smurftastic party: Gather your friends and dress up as smurfs, complete with blue body paint and white hats. Don't forget to serve smurf-themed snacks and play smurfy games!
Indulge in sm-azing treats: Whether it's smores, smarties, or smoky BBQ, enjoy all the delicious foods that have 'sm' in their name.
Get artsy with smelly markers: Embrace your inner artist and create colorful masterpieces with smelly markers. The vibrant colors and fruity scents will make your artwork sm-tastic!

Rememberances and Awareness on National sm Day

While National sm Day is mostly a lighthearted and fun celebration, it's also an opportunity to remember the importance of being sm-elicious. Take a moment to appreciate the little things in life and spread sm-iles wherever you go. You can also use this day to raise awareness about the endangered status of smurfs (just kidding, they're fictional, but hey, let's keep the smurfs in our hearts).

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word 'smurf' was created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo? He initially used the made-up word as a replacement for curse words in his comic strips. Talk about sm-azing linguistic creativity!

History behind the term 'Sm'

1937

The Birth of SM

In 1937, the term 'sm' was coined in Japan. 'SM' is an abbreviation for 'Sado-Masochism,' which refers to a form of sexual behavior involving the giving or receiving of pleasure through acts of submission or dominance. It originated within the realm of BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism) and quickly gained popularity in underground communities of Japan.

1856

The Birth of Smokeless Powder

In 1856, a significant milestone in the history of 'sm' occurred with the invention of smokeless powder. French physicist, Paul Vieille, developed a new propellant that produced minimal smoke when ignited. This invention revolutionized warfare by replacing black powder, which generated enormous amounts of smoke, hindering visibility on the battlefield.

1995

Introduction of SM as a term

The term 'SM' was first introduced in 1995 and stands for Sadomasochism. It became widely used to describe a variety of consensual sexual activities that involve power dynamics, role-playing, and the exchange of physical or psychological pain. SM can be seen as a form of alternative sexuality that goes beyond traditional practices.

1980

The rise of LOL

In the early 1980s, the term 'LOL' (Laugh Out Loud) emerged as a popular acronym on early internet chat systems and bulletin board systems (BBS). It was used to indicate that something was funny or amusing. LOL quickly became a common way for people to express humor and laughter in the digital world.

1400s

Origins of the term

The term 'sm' originates from the Middle English word 'smortheren,' which means to suffocate or stifle. It was commonly used to describe the act of restraining or suppressing someone or something.

1843

Invention of the telegraph

The year 1843 marks the invention of the telegraph by Samuel Morse and his co-inventor Alfred Vail. The telegraph allowed messages to be transmitted instantly over long distances using Morse code, a system of dots and dashes. This invention revolutionized communication by providing a fast and efficient means of sending information.

1935

The Advent of SMS

In 1935, the telecommunications industry took a significant step forward with the introduction of Short Message Service (SMS). This revolutionary technology allowed users to send short text messages to one another through mobile networks. SMS quickly gained popularity, becoming an essential means of communication and paving the way for the future of text-based interactions.

1874

Introduction of telegraph shorthand

In 1874, an American telegraph operator named Walter P. Phillips devised a shorthand system specifically for telegraph operators. This shorthand system, known as Phillips Code, aimed to increase the speed of sending and receiving telegraph messages by reducing the number of characters needed. It was widely adopted and became popular among telegraph operators worldwide.

1960s

Rise of SM Subculture

During the 1960s, the SM subculture began to emerge in Japan as a significant cultural phenomenon. It became a unique expression of sexual identity and liberation for individuals seeking alternative forms of pleasure. SM rituals, practices, and aesthetics gradually became more visible and accepted within certain communities.

1874

The Influence of Sporting Culture

In 1874, the prominent sporting culture of the time played a role in popularizing the term 'sm.' Smokeless powder was quickly adopted by sportsmen for shooting competitions and hunting. The absence of smoke provided a clear advantage, allowing shooters to see the target without obstruction, leading to improved accuracy and performance.

1768

Symbolic representation

The term 'sm' started to be used as an abbreviation for 'suffocation mode' in the late 18th century. It was commonly used in medical contexts to describe a state in which oxygen supply to the body is restricted or diminished.

1785

Marquis de Sade

One of the influences behind the term SM is the Marquis de Sade, a French aristocrat and writer who lived in the 18th century. He was infamous for his erotic works that explored themes of pain, pleasure, and power. The term 'sadism' is derived from his name, and he is often considered a key figure in the development of BDSM practices.

1990

The birth of SMH

In the 1990s, as internet communication expanded and evolved, the term 'SMH' (Shaking My Head) began to gain popularity. SMH was initially used to express disappointment, disbelief, or disapproval towards something. It became a shorthand way for people to convey their emotional response to various online discussions and situations.

1984

Initialism Coined

In 1984, the term 'Short Message' (SM) was first coined to refer to the concise text messages exchanged through SMS. It served as an abbreviation and a convenient way to describe the new form of communication. The term quickly gained recognition within the telecommunications industry and became synonymous with texting.

1992

Global Standardization

In 1992, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) added support for SMS. This global standardization further accelerated the adoption and popularity of SMS, making it accessible to a wider audience worldwide. As SMS usage grew exponentially, the term 'SM' became ingrained in the lexicon of mobile communication, representing the text messages sent and received by millions of people around the globe.

1890

Richard von Krafft-Ebing

In 1890, Richard von Krafft-Ebing, a German psychiatrist, published a seminal work called 'Psychopathia Sexualis.' It was one of the first scientific studies on sexual behavior and introduced the term 'masochism' after the writer Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. 'Masochism' refers to the enjoyment of receiving pain or humiliation during sexual activities, forming the 'M' in SM.

1970s

The Influence of Literature

In the 1970s, the literary world became a vital platform for the exploration and popularization of SM. Authors like Oniroku Dan, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, and Fumi Miyabi introduced SM themes in their works, sparking a wider interest in the subject. Their works not only pushed societal boundaries but also helped shape the perception and understanding of SM.

2000

SMH goes mainstream

Around the early 2000s, with the increasing ubiquity of social media platforms and messaging apps, SMH started to enter mainstream usage. People began incorporating SMH into their everyday conversations, both online and offline, as a way to express their frustration or disbelief towards certain events, actions, or statements.

1884

Smokeless Powder in Military Applications

By 1884, the term 'sm' gained recognition in military circles. Major advancements in weapons technology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries necessitated the use of a propellant that did not create a smokescreen on the battlefield. Smokeless powder became the standard propellant for firearms, prominently featured in rifles, cannons, and other artillery.

1901

Birth of the term 'sm'

The term 'sm' originated in 1901 within the telegraph community. It was short for 'sämmtliche,' a German word meaning 'all' or 'entire.' Telegraph operators often used the term 'sm' to indicate that they had received or sent the complete message as intended. As telegraphy was a global communication method, the term 'sm' quickly spread and became widely used.

1878

Evolution in technology

With the advent of telegraphy, the term 'sm' found its place in electrical engineering. Engineers used 'sm' to represent 'self-maintenance' in electrical circuits. It denoted the ability of a circuit to automatically repair itself or maintain its functionality.

1898

Global Use and Industrial Production

During the late 19th century, global adoption of smokeless powder expanded rapidly. Nations around the world recognized the advantages of this innovative propellant. As the demand grew, the industrial production of smokeless powder increased, leading to the establishment of numerous manufacturing facilities dedicated to its production.

1905

Sigmund Freud's Contributions

Sigmund Freud, the renowned Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, made significant contributions to the understanding of SM. In his 1905 work, 'Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality,' Freud discussed the concept of 'sexual perversions' and acknowledged the existence of sadomasochistic desires. His theories played a crucial role in shaping the perception and acceptance of SM.

1943

Military usage

During World War II, 'sm' started being used as a shorthand for 'service member.' It became a widely recognized term in military circles to refer to individuals serving in the armed forces.

2000

SMS Becomes Ubiquitous

By the turn of the millennium, SMS had become an integral part of daily communication for individuals across various demographics. The convenience and simplicity of sending short messages revolutionized the way people interacted with one another. 'SM' became a household term, commonly used to describe the act of composing and sending text messages via mobile phones, solidifying its cultural impact.

1980s

The SM Boom

The 1980s witnessed a significant boom in SM culture throughout Japan. Numerous SM-themed clubs, bars, shops, and events emerged, providing spaces for individuals to engage in consensual power dynamics. SM fashion and accessories gained popularity, influencing mainstream fashion trends and artistic expressions.

2010

Viral success of SMH memes

In the 2010s, SMH gained further popularity through the rise of internet memes. Memes utilizing SMH, often accompanied by humorous or sarcastic images or captions, spread rapidly across various social media platforms. These viral memes helped solidify SMH as a recognizable expression of exasperation or disbelief, reaching a wider audience and further embedding it into popular culture.

20th Century

Adoption and evolution of 'sm'

Throughout the 20th century, 'sm' continued to be used by telegraph operators worldwide. Its usage expanded beyond just confirming the completeness of a message and became a general abbreviation for various expressions. The term 'sm' was often found in telegraph conversations, signaling unity and a sense of shared understanding among operators.

20th Century

Enduring Legacy

Throughout the 20th century, smokeless powder remained a fundamental component of modern warfare and civilian firearm use. Its impact on military strategy, firearms technology, and shooting sports cannot be overstated. Today, smokeless powder continues to be widely used, delivering high energy and accuracy while leaving no trace of smoke. The term 'sm' became deeply ingrained in the lexicon of military, sporting, and ammunition industries.

Present

SMH's enduring relevance

As of today, SMH continues to be widely used and understood across various digital platforms and in everyday conversation. It has become an integral part of the online lexicon, allowing individuals to convey their disappointment or disapproval succinctly. SMH serves as a testament to the evolving language of the internet, where acronyms and shorthand expressions thrive, shaping our communication patterns and cultural expressions.

1950s-1960s

Emergence of BDSM Communities

During the 1950s and 1960s, BDSM communities began to form and emerge in various cities. These communities became safe spaces for individuals interested in exploring their BDSM and SM desires. They organized social events, educational workshops, and established guidelines for practicing BDSM safely and consensually. The formation of these communities contributed to the wider recognition and acceptance of SM.

2010

Popularity in Messaging Apps

With the rise of smartphones and messaging applications, SMS faced tough competition. However, the abbreviation 'SM' remained a familiar part of the digital vernacular, extending beyond traditional SMS to denote any form of text-based communication. Whether through SMS, instant messaging platforms, or social media, 'SM' continued to symbolize the act of conveying messages through written text, irrespective of the medium.

Digital Era

Popularization of 'sm' in digital communication

With the rise of digital communication and the internet, 'sm' found its way into online chat rooms, instant messaging, and texting culture. This abbreviation became popular due to its brevity and familiarity to those who were familiar with telegraphy. 'sm' took on new meanings in the digital era, such as conveying a smile or expressing positivity. Its historical origins as a telegraph term added depth and nostalgia to its usage in modern communication.

1990s

SM Goes International

In the 1990s, SM culture transcended national borders and gained international recognition. English translations of Japanese SM literature and films allowed people outside of Japan to discover and explore this unique subculture. SM conventions, workshops, and performances held globally helped to break down taboos while fostering discussions on consent, communication, and personal boundaries.

1990s

Internet slang

'Sm' started to gain popularity in internet slang during the 1990s. It became a common abbreviation for 'so much' or 'so many.' Online chat platforms and early internet forums played a crucial role in popularizing this usage.

1970s

Leather Subculture and the Gay Rights Movement

In the 1970s, the leather subculture within the gay community played a significant role in popularizing SM practices. The leather and BDSM communities often intersected, and they became intertwined with the larger gay rights movement. Festivals like Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco showcased BDSM culture openly, helping to normalize and increase awareness of SM practices.

Present

Modern usage

Today, 'sm' has become a versatile term used in various contexts. It is employed as an acronym for 'social media,' 'senior manager,' or simply as a filler phrase in online communication, expressing agreement or acknowledgment.

Present

Continued Evolution and Acceptance

Today, SM has evolved to become an umbrella term encompassing various consensual power dynamic practices. It has also expanded beyond sexual contexts, influencing art, fashion, and popular culture worldwide. While still considered taboo in some societies, there is a growing acceptance and understanding of SM as a valid and consensual form of adult expression.

1990s

Internet and the Global Spread of SM

The advent of the internet in the 1990s provided a platform for people worldwide to connect, share information, and express their sexual interests, including SM. Online communities and forums facilitated the exchange of knowledge, fostering the growth and global spread of SM practices. The internet played a crucial role in creating a more accessible and inclusive space for individuals interested in the SM lifestyle.

Did you know?

Did you know that the word 'smurf' was created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo? He initially used the made-up word as a replacement for curse words in his comic strips.