The National Be A Dork Day on July 15 has us getting ready to let go of our inhibitions for the day. A dork, by definition, is a person who generally lacks social skills and tends to have eccentric interests and hobbies. Usually, a dork’s fashion sense is also questioned as their outfits tend to be mismatched, ‘ugly,’ or something most people would not prefer to wear. With the advent of technology and the growing exposure and influence of pop culture, dorks have been depicted as a ‘dumb’ group of people who have conventional ‘ugly’ features like buck teeth, acne, and poor eyesight with large-framed glasses. But National Be A Dork Day aims to celebrate the dork in all of us!
History of National Be A Dork Day
The National Be A Dork Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy at Wellcat. The duo is credited with creating and celebrating many other unique concepts and ideas for their company that focuses on holidays. The word ‘dork’ has interesting origins. It was first used in the late 1800s as an informal and slang term for ‘penis’. People used it mostly in the British army to make fun of each other. However, almost a century later, in the late ’60s, the word had reached American shores, with people using it in university/college settings. Initially, it was seen as a derogatory term since it mocked a person for their lack of social skills. Yet, as time passed by, the term took on less belittling connotations. Today, in many settings, people employ the word ‘adorkable’ to describe someone who is both socially awkward, but cute and adorable at the same time.
Many tend to confuse ‘dork’ with ‘nerd’ and ‘geek’. Nerds and geeks are people who are interested in subjects to the point of utter fascination and tireless research. People who are diehard fans of things like pop culture icons, comics, and scientific research are also considered to be nerds and geeks. Such people will know the ins and outs of their passion project from A to Z. Dorks, on the other hand, are generally interested in things that are not considered conventionally ‘intelligent’. Moreover, their social awkwardness also usually means they don’t have a large social circle. But, don’t let that stop you from wholeheartedly celebrating this day. Unleash your inner dork and let the world know that you are comfortable in your own skin.
National Be A Dork Day timeline
The word ‘dork’ is used for the first time as a derogatory term, meaning ‘penis’.
‘Dork’ is used as a slang term in American colleges to describe a socially awkward person.
“Dork Tower” by John Kovalic is published online.
Pop culture popularizes the image of ‘dorks’ as people who are not only socially awkward but also people with conventionally unattractive features.
National Be A Dork Day FAQs
Is it rude to call someone a dork?
It’s a term of endearment. Yes, it is a good thing. Girls use the term completely differently than guys do. It usually means you are joking around with them and they find you funny in my experience.
How do you know if you're a dork?
Here are the signs that you’re the college dork:
- You have never failed any college exam or assignment. You dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to the job at hand.
- The library is your second home.
- You hand assignments in more than 2 days before they’re due.
- You raise your hand every 5 minutes in lectures.
What's another word for dork?
‘Dunce,’ ‘dummy,’ and ‘dimwit’ are all synonyms for ‘dork’, among others.
How To Celebrate National Be A Dork Day
Wear weird socks/clothes/shoes
The world is your oyster, so go all out and try every dorky style out there to see what you like. You can choose from an array of colorful socks and clothes with strange patterns.
Try weird food combinations
A mark of a true dork is that they never shy away from weird-looking food or weird food combinations. Dip your fries or snacks in anything from a milkshake to a glass of soda or whatever you believe will make you feel like a dork.
Take a dorky selfie
Try out different poses and facial expressions. Double the fun by bringing in other dorks around you and click away.
5 Facts About The Movie “Dumb And Dumber” That Will Blow Your Mind
Jim Carrey’s tooth was really chipped
Jim Carrey had a real chipped tooth but for his role, he removed the cap to give his character a more authentic look and feel.
Jeff Daniels was not the first choice
Jeff Daniels was actually not the first choice to star in the role as Harry Dunne and it was Jim Carrey who insisted on casting Daniels for the role.
Clint Eastwood praised Daniels
Jeff Daniels was extensively praised for his role as Harry Dunne by Clint Eastwood when both were having a golfing session.
The title was initially rejected
Many people involved in the film did not want to name it “Dumb and Dumber” as they felt it was too ‘dumb’ and mediocre.
100 actors passed on the roles
Around 100 actors, including Nicolas Cage and Gary Oldman, passed on the roles.
Why We Love National Be A Dork Day
It’s a celebration of dorks
Dorks are not only important pop culture icons, but they are also important people in our society. They are infamous for their social awkwardness and general image. But such factors should not stop us from celebrating these people for who they are, as well as our inner dorks.
It’s a celebration of uniqueness
One thing that this day teaches us is to embrace our true selves, regardless of what society says. Whether your uniqueness lies in your fashion style, your eating habits, or any other lifestyle factors, embrace them in all their glory.
It’s a celebration of weirdness
The National Be A Dork Day is all about the weird. Following societal conventions can be boring, so we are loving this day as an excuse to not stick to the boring old routine, and instead just be weird for a little while.
National Be A Dork Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 15 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 15 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 15 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 15 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 15 | Saturday |
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