National Za Day

A smiling family standing around a table, enjoying a homemade za with various toppings, in a cozy kitchen decorated with pizza-themed artwork..
National za day illustration

Welcome to National za Day, the most delicious day of the year! Grab your taste buds and get ready for a mouthwatering adventure as we celebrate this delectable dish. Whether you prefer a traditional za with gooey cheese and savory toppings or you like to get adventurous with unique flavor combinations, National za Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in everyone's favorite circular masterpiece.

When is Za Day?

It's national za day on the 10th February.


A Brief History of National za Day

Did you know that the concept of National za Day started online? Back in 2016, pizza lovers across the internet gathered to proclaim their love for za, and the tradition caught on like wildfire. The first recorded mention of National za Day was on February 10, 2016, and since then, it has become a highly anticipated annual event.

The Internet's Love Affair with Pizza

Pizza has long held a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of people around the world. Its versatility, deliciousness, and ability to bring people together make it a universal favorite. The internet, with its love for all things food-related, quickly embraced National za Day and turned it into a social media sensation.

How to Celebrate National za Day

There are endless ways to celebrate National za Day, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Gather your loved ones for a pizza party extravaganza. Let everyone customize their own personal pizzas with their favorite toppings for a truly memorable meal.
  • Explore different pizza styles from around the world. From classic Neapolitan to deep-dish Chicago-style, there's a pizza out there to suit every palate.
  • Challenge your friends to a pizza making competition. See who can create the most unique and delicious za masterpiece.
  • Host a pizza and movie night. Pair your favorite flicks with a variety of pizzas for the ultimate movie-watching experience.

Did You Know?

Here's a fun fact to impress your friends with: The largest pizza ever made was over 13,000 square feet in size. It took 80 chefs working in sync to accomplish this delicious feat! That's a lot of dough, cheese, and toppings!



History behind the term 'Za'


1962

The Inception of 'za'

The term 'za' is believed to have originated in 1962 as a slang word for pizza. It is thought to have been developed within the American jazz and beatnik subcultures. This catchy abbreviation quickly gained popularity and became a favorite way to refer to this delicious Italian dish.


1889

The Birth of Pizza Margherita

In 1889, the term 'za' took its first step towards becoming a popular reference for pizza. Legend has it that renowned pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza for Queen Margherita of Italy. This pizza consisted of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. The queen loved it, and the pizza was named Pizza Margherita in her honor. Little did they know that this pizza would be the catalyst for the term 'za' to trickle into the culinary world.


1950

Emergence of 'za'

'Za' as a slang term for pizza originated in the 1950s. It is believed to have originated among Italian-American communities in the United States. The term was developed as a way to quickly and casually refer to this popular dish, which was a staple in these communities at the time.



1950

The birth of pizza in the United States

In 1950, pizza was introduced to the United States, primarily by Italian immigrants. Initially, it gained popularity among Italian-American communities in cities like New York and Chicago. It was during this time that the slang term 'za' started to emerge.


1974

'Za' Spreads in Pop Culture

By 1974, 'za' had made its way into mainstream culture through the American television show 'Happy Days.' The character of Fonzie, played by Henry Winkler, frequently used 'za' as part of his cool and laid-back persona. This exposure helped solidify the term in the collective consciousness of Americans.


1980

The rise of 'za' in American slang

In the 1980s, the term 'za' started to gain traction as a colloquial and abbreviated version of the word 'pizza' among the youth in the United States. It became a trendy and convenient way to refer to the beloved Italian dish.



1960s

The Emergence of Slang Terms

As the 1960s rolled around, slang terms began to flourish in American culture. One of these slang terms was 'za', derived from the word pizza. The concise and catchy nature of the word made it appeal to young people, and it quickly gained popularity as a casual term for pizza.


1960

Spread in Pop Culture

During the 1960s, the slang term 'za' gained popularity and started spreading beyond Italian-American communities. It became part of the vernacular among younger generations, who embraced it as a trendy and informal way to talk about pizza. This pop cultural adoption helped further disseminate the term.


1980s

'Za' Goes International

During the 1980s, 'za' began to spread beyond the borders of the United States and gained recognition in various English-speaking countries. This cultural diffusion was partly due to the rise of MTV and other American media outlets, which popularized American slang worldwide. The term became synonymous with pizza in many international circles.



1990s

Seinfeld Boosts Popularity

In the 1990s, the television sitcom Seinfeld played a significant role in popularizing the term 'za'. The character George Costanza, portrayed by Jason Alexander, frequently used 'za' as a shorthand for pizza. As Seinfeld captured the hearts of viewers around the world, the term 'za' gained even more recognition and solidified its place in popular culture.


1990

Mainstream Acceptance

In the 1990s, 'za' began to gain widespread recognition and acceptance. It started appearing in mainstream media, including movies, TV shows, and advertisements. This exposure solidified 'za' as a legitimate and widely understood slang term for pizza, adopted by various demographics across the United States.


1995

Mainstream exposure through 'Friends'

The popular TV show 'Friends' played a significant role in further popularizing the term 'za.' In a 1995 episode titled 'The One with Ross's Sandwich,' Joey Tribbiani, one of the characters, exclaims 'Joey doesn't share food!' and proceeds to grab a slice of pizza, referring to it as 'za.' This exposure on a widely-watched sitcom helped cement the term in popular culture.



2000s

Social Media Influence

With the rise of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram in the 2000s, slang terms were spread with lightning speed. The term 'za' found its way into countless pizza-related hashtags, posts, and memes. Its brevity and trendy appeal made it the perfect choice for online discussions and captions, cementing its status as a widely recognized term for pizza.


Present

Continued Usage

Today, 'za' continues to be used as a casual, abbreviated term for pizza. It has become ingrained in contemporary American slang and is widely recognized by pizza lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The term 'za' exemplifies the ever-evolving nature of language, as well as the influence of cultural communities in shaping linguistic expressions.


2000s

Internet culture and abbreviation obsession

With the rise of the internet and instant messaging in the 2000s, abbreviations became rampant. 'Za' found its place as part of this new online language. It became a popular term to use when talking about pizza in chat rooms, forums, and social media platforms. The brevity and informality of the term made it appealing in the fast-paced world of internet communication.



1990s

Internet Slang and 'Za'

With the advent of the internet and the rise of online communication in the 1990s, 'za' found a new home in the realm of internet slang. The brevity and catchiness of the term made it a perfect fit for the fast-paced and abbreviated language of online messaging and chat rooms. 'Za' became a part of the ever-evolving lexicon of internet users.


Present Day

Continued usage in pop culture and everyday language

Today, the term 'za' continues to be used by pizza lovers and slang enthusiasts alike. It has become an accepted part of everyday language, especially in casual conversations. While some may argue it remains more prevalent in certain regions or subcultures, 'za' has become a charming and enduring slang term for pizza that reflects the evolving nature of language and cultural influences.


Present Day

Accepted Vernacular

Today, 'za' has joined the ranks of casual slang vocabulary, frequently used in conversations, online discussions, and even restaurant menus. It has become a widely accepted term for pizza, embracing its roots from Queen Margherita's favorite dish to the modern-day pizza lover's go-to slang. 'Za' has transcended time, cultures, and generations to become a linguistic symbol of the beloved Italian dish.



Present Day

Continued Popularity

In the present day, 'za' remains a widely recognized and used abbreviation for pizza. It has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, appearing in songs, memes, and everyday conversations. The term has transcended its slang origins and become a legitimate and accepted term for referring to this beloved food around the world.


Did you know?

The largest pizza ever made was over 13,000 square feet in size. It took 80 chefs working in sync to accomplish this delicious feat!

Tagged

food fun loved ones

First identified

10th February 2016

Most mentioned on

10th February 2016

Total mentions

16

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