The Origins of ‘Hump Day’
‘Hump day’ is a term widely used in American English to refer to Wednesday. But why? The phrase originates from the perception of a working week as a hill. The idea being that Wednesday, being in the middle, is the ‘hump’ or peak of the hill: once you’re over this high point, it’s downhill towards the weekend.
The first known use of the term ‘hump day’ in this context dates back to the 1960s. It initially rose in popularity among blue-collar workers, then spread to workplaces throughout the United States. Today, it’s common to hear ‘happy hump day’ as a half-joking, half-encouraging sentiment. The phrase suggests that once Wednesday is conquered, the rest of the week will be easier.
The Impact of ‘Hump Day’
When people refer to Wednesday as ‘Hump Day,’ it isn’t always in a positive context. In fact, some research suggests that Wednesdays are when professionals feel their most stressed, implying that the ‘hump’ might have some legitimate psychological effects.
A 2008 study conducted by the health insurance company AXA revealed that 53% of surveyed employees felt the most stress on Wednesdays. This notion is validated by a 2013 poll conducted by Gallup, wherein Wednesday emerged as a common day for reported stress.
‘Hump Day’ in Popular Culture
The term ‘hump day’ has permeated beyond the office setting and into popular culture. Probably the most famous example of is the 2013 GEICO advertisement, where a camel happily vocalizes ‘Guess what day it is?’, alluding to Wednesday as ‘hump day’. The ad became so popular it established ‘hump day’ within the colloquial lexicon with a more humorous, light-hearted overtone.
‘Hump day’ has even found its way into music and films. It is used in bantering remarks or casual conversations to symbolize the ‘mid-week crisis’ or to commemorate the halfway point towards the weekend.
