National Name Your Poison Day is a unique celebration that encourages people to make choices, often among less-than-ideal options. The phrase “name your poison” is traditionally associated with bartenders asking patrons to choose their drink, but it has evolved to symbolize making any decision, especially when all options have drawbacks.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 8th
- Tagged as: Decision-making, Choices, Drinks
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalNameYourPoisonDay
- When was it founded?: The exact founding date is unknown
- Who founded it?: The founder is not known
History of National Name Your Poison Day
The phrase “name your poison” dates back to at least the mid-19th century and was popularized during the Prohibition era in the United States. During this time, alcohol was illegal, and the quality of bootleg liquor was often questionable, leading bartenders to use the phrase when asking customers to choose their drink. Over time, the expression has come to represent making a choice among several undesirable options.
Timeline
- Mid-1800s: The phrase “name your poison” becomes popular as a colloquial term for choosing a drink.
- 1920-1933: During Prohibition in the U.S., the phrase gains prominence due to the poor quality of illegal alcohol.
- 1864: The phrase appears in the “Daily National Republican” newspaper, solidifying its use in American culture.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June | 8 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June | 8 | Monday |
| 2027 | June | 8 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June | 8 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June | 8 | Friday |
Observed
National Name Your Poison Day is observed annually on June 8th. It is a day for making decisions and embracing choices, whether they are good or bad.
Fun Facts About National Name Your Poison Day
- The phrase “name your poison” can be traced back to its use by bartenders in saloons as early as the late 1800s.
- Historically, poisons have been used for both medicinal and harmful purposes.
- The day provides an opportunity to explore different drinks and make unconventional choices.
Quiz
- What does the phrase “name your poison” traditionally refer to?
- When is National Name Your Poison Day celebrated?
- What historical period helped popularize the phrase?
(Answers: 1. Choosing a drink; 2. June 8th; 3. Prohibition era)
FAQs
- What does “name your poison” mean today?
It means making a choice among several options, often when none are ideal. - Why is it called “poison”?
Historically, “poison” was slang for alcohol due to its intoxicating effects.
Related
- National Drink Beer Day
- World Oceans Day
- National Best Friends Day