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National Blame Someone Else Day arrives on the first Friday the 13th of the year, falling on February 13, 2026. This quirky observance encourages a lighthearted approach to minor mishaps, offering a playful excuse to deflect responsibility. Embrace the fun by crafting amusing alibis, sharing your best ‘not my fault’ stories, and enjoying a day free from self-blame.
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History of National Blame Someone Else Day
Blaming others goes way back. In fact, it started with the first couple when Adam blamed Eve for the entire apple-indulging incident. He even took it a step further to blame God, since, after all, God did create Eve. Clearly, this would not have happened if God hadn’t made woman. Adam sure is a tough act to follow but plenty of people have attempted to raise that bar in blaming others throughout the centuries.
Fridays have long been considered an unlucky day and the number 13 has long been considered an unlucky number; however, superstitions that Friday the 13th is an especially unlucky day did not garner attention until the 19th century.
National Blame Someone Else Day began one Friday the 13th in 1982 when Anne Moelle’s alarm clock failed to go off resulting in a full day of bad luck. So, now we have the opportunity to enjoy an entire day of blaming people for any and everything that is, has, or will go wrong.
There are two camps of people when it comes to blaming others, those who like to joke around with the most ludicrous tale as to why something isn’t their fault and those who are totally unable to accept responsibility for things going sideways in their life. Actually, most of us are likely somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. Read on to see where you may fall.
National Blame Someone Else Day timeline
William Tyndale created the word “scapegoat” when he described a Jewish Day of Atonement ritual where a priest laid the sins of the people on one goat to carry the rest of its life in the wilderness; the goat bore the blame for others.
While Eve could take full credit for this phrase, it was popularized by comedian and actor, Flip Wilson, in the 1970s.
German pop-duo, Milli Vanilli, encourages the subject of their #1 hit, “Blame it on the rain, yeah, yeah.”
In the medical world, Patient Zero represents the first person confirmed to have a new disease; sometimes referred to as a “medical scapegoat.”
National Blame Someone Else Day FAQs
When is National Blame Someone Else Day?
In 2027, National Blame Someone Else Day will be observed on Friday, August 13. It’s the perfect mid-year opportunity to playfully deflect responsibility for any minor mishaps.
Who invented National Blame Someone Else Day?
While no single individual is officially credited with its creation, the spirit of National Blame Someone Else Day likely evolved from the widespread cultural association of Friday the 13th with bad luck and unforeseen events, providing a convenient excuse.
Is Friday the 13th really unlucky?
Despite its ominous reputation, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that Friday the 13th is inherently unlucky. However, the pervasive folklore surrounding the date provides a fun and universally understood backdrop for this lighthearted holiday.
What is the fear of Friday the 13th called?
Paraskevidekatriaphobia is a complex word for a specific anxiety related to Friday the 13th. For those who experience it, the day can be genuinely distressing, though for many, it’s simply a day for playful superstition and deflection.
National Blame Someone Else Day Activities
Stay home
After all, it is Friday the 13th! Why risk it? Simply tell your boss you can’t come in because (cue the blame) you have friggatriskaidekaphobia, a fear of Friday the 13th.
Celebrate with the world online
Throughout the day as things happen that require blame to be placed, be sure to jot down what happened and who or what you blamed. At the end of the day share it with your friends on your favorite social app. We all could use a good laugh! As well as some ideas for next year, or tomorrow.
Embrace your mistakes
Commit to yourself that starting tomorrow you will begin owning up to your mistakes. (Go ahead and enjoy today.)
5 Benefits Of Accepting Blame
We all make mistakes
​Remember: No one is shocked. You aren’t special. It’s OK.
Owning up earns respect
When you acknowledge your mistakes, others are more apt to trust and respect you; people appreciate honesty and humility.
See it as a learning opportunity
​Instead of sweating the mistake, find the opportunity to learn and grow from it.
Focus on the future
Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, keep your mind focused on your future success now and appreciate what you have learned.
Owning up is contagious
​Blame is contagious but so is accepting responsibility; do your part to create an environment where people are comfortable admitting mistakes and moving on.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL BLAME SOMEONE ELSE DAY
We love a good laugh
The taller the tale, the larger the laugh. Try to go a little bigger than “the dog ate my homework”.
It inspires creativity
When people are in a pickle, they can get really creative. The point of today is to blame someone in jest so strive to come up with an excuse others will want to copy.
It gives us a pass
Even if only for one day! Go ahead, blame someone…today.
National Blame Someone Else Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 13 | Friday |
| 2027 | August 13 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 13 | Friday |
| 2029 | April 13 | Friday |
| 2030 | September 13 | Friday |
