National Curmudgeons Day celebrates those delightfully grumpy, cantankerous individuals who excel at finding fault in everything. A curmudgeon, as defined by Merriam Webster, is “a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man.”
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 29th annually
- Tagged as: Unofficial holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #CurmudgeonsDay
- When was it founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: No official founder
History
The day is celebrated on January 29th to honor W.C. Fields’ birthday (1880), one of America’s most beloved curmudgeons. Fields was an American entertainer known for his comic acts portraying antisocial, bad-tempered characters. He was also a world-famous juggler who performed for Queen Victoria of England.
Timeline
• 1880: William Claude Fields born in Darby, Pennsylvania
• Early 1900s: Fields joins vaudeville theater as a juggler
• 1915: Makes Broadway debut
• 1946: Fields passes away on Christmas Day
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January | 29 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January | 29 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January | 29 | Friday |
| 2028 | January | 29 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January | 29 | Monday |
Observed
The day is celebrated annually on January 29th, with people either embracing their inner grump or showing appreciation for the curmudgeons in their lives.
Fun Facts About Curmudgeons
• The word ‘curmudgeon’ originated in the 16th century
• W.C. Fields was known for his disdain for dogs and children
• Many beloved fictional characters are curmudgeons, like Oscar the Grouch
Quiz
- When is National Curmudgeons Day celebrated?
- Who was W.C. Fields?
- What’s the definition of a curmudgeon?
-(Answers: January 29th; An American entertainer and professional curmudgeon; A crusty, ill-tempered person)
FAQs
- Is curmudgeon a slur?
No, it’s simply a descriptive term for a bad-tempered, surly person. - How should one celebrate?
You can either embrace grumpiness or show kindness to the curmudgeons in your life.
Related
• National Puzzle Day
• National Corn Chip Day
• National Selfie Day
• Look On The Bright Side Day