What is Hump Day?

Hump Day is a slang term used to refer to Wednesday in the workweek, as it marks the half-way point in between the start of the workweek (Monday) and the end of the workweek (Friday). It’s a day of celebration for most people, as the feeling of seeing the midweek milestone can signify a sense of relief knowing that the weekend is near and that the dreaded Monday blues are getting further away. This quirky term has become very popular in recent years, and was even the topic of ads for the popular beer brand Carling back in 2007.

The Origin of Hump Day

The origin of this phrase is unknown, but its most likely commercial usage was a 1995 Geico commercial which uses the catchphrase: “It’s Hump Day!”. In this memorable commercial, a co-worker tells his fellow coworkers in a cartoon-ish manner, “It’s Hump Day. Let’s get over the hump”. The phrase was picked up by other news outlets, and it eventually became an immensely popular way of saying “Wednesday”.

Hump Day Celebrations

The midweek celebration is quite a popular concept in the workplace, with several different businesses holding special activities to commemorate the day. Many workplaces opt to host a “Hump Day” themed party, complete with sugary snacks, drinks and even prizes such as gift cards and movie passes that employees can take home as recognition for a job well done. Others may simply go out to lunch with their co-workers to mark the day, or even play horseshoes, beach volleyball and other outdoor sports.

At the end of the day, the primary benefit of hump day is the sense of motivation that comes from getting one step closer to the weekend. Despite its lighthearted nature, hump day also serves as a reminder that every day is an opportunity to make progress towards one’s goals. So no matter how you choose to recognize the day, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to appreciate the midweek milestone and use it as an excuse to celebrate your hard work and dedication.