National Knock Knock Joke Day is a fun holiday celebrated on October 31st that honors one of the most popular and enduring forms of humor – the knock knock joke. This call-and-response style joke format has been tickling funny bones for generations with its simple structure and often pun-filled punchlines.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: October 31st
- Tagged as: Fun & Games
- What’s the hashtag?: #KnockKnockJokeDay
- When was it founded?: At least 2006, though exact origins are unclear
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History of National Knock Knock Joke Day
The knock knock joke format has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The earliest variation can be traced to around 1900, beginning with questions like “Do you know Arthur?” to which one would naturally respond “Arthur who?” followed by a punchline like “Arthurmometer!”
By the 1930s, knock knock jokes had sparked a major craze in the United States during the Great Depression when people desperately needed something to laugh about. Businesses held knock-knock contests, clubs formed across the country, and orchestras even incorporated these jokes into their performances. Though there was some pushback later in the decade, the format has endured and remains popular today, especially among children who often learn these as their first jokes.
Timeline
- 1929: First recorded version of a knock knock joke appears in a book
- 1934: The standard knock-knock joke format appears in a newspaper humor column
- 1936: Likely the beginning of widespread popularity for knock-knock jokes
- 1960s-1970s: Knock-knock jokes become a regular part of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in Show
- 2013: Inventgenuity Festival attendees set a record for telling knock-knock jokes in sequence
- 2015: Alex and Andrea Rose from Texas break the world record for most knock-knock jokes told in one minute (24)
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 31 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 31 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 31 | Thursday |
Observed
National Knock Knock Joke Day is observed annually on October 31st, coinciding with Halloween. This creates a fun opportunity for trick-or-treaters to share jokes while going door to door. The day is celebrated by people of all ages sharing their favorite knock knock jokes with friends, family, and colleagues.
Fun Facts About Knock Knock Jokes
Knock knock jokes follow a specific pattern: someone begins by saying “Knock knock,” followed by “Who’s there?” After they mention a name, the person replies by asking for a surname, and the joke ends with a pun that plays with the words.
Some believe knock knock jokes were derived from “call and answer” routines used by guards during the Middle Ages to identify people who came to their castles after dark. Even Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” contains a humorous monologue that follows a pattern similar to knock-knock jokes.
Quiz
- When is National Knock Knock Joke Day celebrated?
- What other holiday falls on the same day as National Knock Knock Joke Day?
- In what decade did knock knock jokes become extremely popular in the United States?
- What is the world record for most knock knock jokes told in one minute?
(Answers: 1. October 31st, 2. Halloween, 3. 1930s, 4. 24 jokes)
FAQs
How do you tell a knock-knock joke?
It follows a simple format: start with “Knock knock,” wait for “Who’s there?”, provide a name or word, wait for “[name] who?”, then deliver your punchline that plays with the name or word.
Who can tell knock-knock jokes?
Anyone can tell knock-knock jokes! They’re particularly popular with children as they’re often among the first jokes they learn to tell.
Where can you observe this holiday?
You can observe it anywhere – at home, work, school, or while trick-or-treating. Any place where you can share a laugh is perfect for knock knock jokes.
Importance of National Knock Knock Joke Day
This day celebrates the joy and laughter these simple jokes bring to our lives. In a world where laughter is a universal language, knock-knock jokes stand out for their simplicity and universal appeal. They remind us of the value of humor in bringing people closer together and brightening our days.
The holiday encourages us to take a moment to share laughter with others, creating connections through humor. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for children to develop their sense of humor and wordplay skills.
Related
- National Tell a Joke Day (August 16)
- International Joke Day (July 1)
- World Laughter Day
- April Fools’ Day
- National Humor Month