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National Slap Your Coworker Day – October 23, 2024

Your co-worker in the next cube is at it again — yakking it up nonstop, clipping her nails, popping her gum and sucking up to the boss. Normally, you just grin and bear it, but today is different because it is National Slap Your Coworker Day. This annual event takes place every October 23 — so if someone at work is bugging you, don’t be shy — take advantage.

National Slap Your Coworker Day timeline

​1945
​Teen slapped Mom in "Mildred Pierce"

​In a rare turning of the tables, unruly teen Ann Blyth delivered a slap to long-suffering mom Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce."

​1987
​Ronny got slapped Italian-style

​In "Moonstruck," when Nicolas Cage's character (Ronny) declared his love for Cher's character (Loretta) — she double slapped him and shouted, "Snap out of it!"

​1993
Rita slapped Phil

​​In "Groundhog Day," Andie MacDowell administered the same slap at the same time to the same coworker for years and years and years.

​2009
​Michael got smacked

​Episode of "The Office" where Pam slapped Michael Scott for having the nerve to date her mom.

National Slap Your Coworker Day Activities

  1. Watch a Three Stooges marathon

    Without a doubt, you can't dissect the science of slapping without the Three Stooges. It is reported that Moe slapped Larry so much that one side of Larry's face felt like leather. (You definitely have to build up to that much slapping.) So, after you survive yet another day of torture with that most obnoxious of coworkers who sits two cubes over, enjoy back-to-back episodes of one of the funniest trios in film.

  2. Perfect your slapping technique

    Before you go into work, make sure you are ready to administer the most effective slap possible. You have, in fact, been flexing your hand muscles regularly in anticipation — and the day has finally arrived. Decide on the forehand slap, backhand slap or five finger slap. National Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day is rife with possibilities.

  3. Train others on how to give a good slap

    Since it's National Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day, don't keep all the fun to yourself. Spread the joy around. During the next break, train a group of your favorite coworkers on all the possible slapping scenarios. Help them with their coordination because there's nothing worse than winding up to slap somebody and missing the mark.

5 Things To Say Just Before Slapping Somebody

  1. ​"You're taking WHO?!"​

    What a jilted prom date says to his/her (former) girlfriend/boyfriend

  2. "You bought her a HOUSE?!"

    Generally said to a cheating spouse.

  3. "​I was just trying it out!"

    Preferably said after you crash your girlfriend's car.

  4. ​​"Fresh!!"

    What countless women have said to Groucho in countless Marx Brothers films

  5. "What do the five fingers say to the face?"

    "SLAP!!"

Why We Love National Slap Your Coworker Day

  1. It's a day for revenge

    The French have a saying that "revenge is a dish best served cold." Basically, that's a stylish way of saying that when you want revenge, the longer you wait — the more impact you will have on your unsuspecting target. For example, your coworker hasn't shut his mouth from the moment he sat down in the cube next to yours AND he has gas. You have patiently waited for National Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day and you bought new leather gloves for the privilege — so just do it.

  2. It has rules

    As much as we love National Slap Your Coworker Day, you have to keep in mind that there are still rules for these one-sided fisticuffs. The rules dictate that you can only slap one person each hour but you can slap them once for each offense. If your supervisor tries to intervene, you can slap him/her, too — just bear in mind there may be consequences.

  3. Not everybody gets slapped

    As much as we adore the idea of National Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day, we would be remiss if we didn't remind everybody to exercise caution when celebrating this day. You should not use this as an excuse to go slapping anyone you don't like. Remember the spirit of the day and keep it to coworkers.

National Slap Your Coworker Day dates

YearDateDay
2024October 23Wednesday
2025October 23Thursday
2026October 23Friday
2027October 23Saturday
2028October 23Monday

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