Spooner's Day / Spoonerism Day
About Spooner's Day
When is Spooner's Day? This holiday is always celebrated on July 22
Have you ever made a slip of the tongue and transposed words and phrases? Sure, you have! We all do from time to time. In the 1800s, William Archibald Spooner was famous for his frequent slip of the tongue. This led to the creation of Spooner’s Day held on Spooner’s birthdate. Also called Spoonerism Day, this July 22 holiday is a time to celebrate being tongue-tied. See how many spoonerisms you can repeat today in both verbal conversations and written texts. And, be alert to people who speak them in front of you. Make sure to point out their eloquent mastering of speech.
William Archibald Spooner was a British clergyman in the Church of England. He lived in the 1800s. Professor Spooner was a little absent-minded at times, Spooner was well known for occasionally getting tongue-tied. He accidentally mixed-up syllables and words. This happened often. The result was often comical phrases and plays on words. His often hilarious gaffes led to the term “Spoonerism”. Though he lived in the 1800s, his spoonerisms live on today. And, people have added to the list with their own whimsical and wacky transpositions of words and phrases.
Spoonerisms
All it takes is a little slip of the tongue to create weird or wacky phrase transpositions. Spoonerisms are fun to say and hear. Here are some of the popular ones:
Spoonerisms coined by the Reverend William Archibald Spooner:
- “Blushing Crow” came out “crushing blow”.
- “Tons of soil” became “sons of toil”.
- “Queer old dean” came from “Dear old queen”.
- “Swell foop”, instead of “fell swoop”.
- “Half-warmed fish” was meant to be “half-warmed wish”.
- “It is customary to kiss the bride” came out as “It is kisstomery to cuss the bride”.
- To a student who wasted two terms he said: “You have tasted two worms”.
Other Spoonerisms:
- “Hamburger buns” turns into “bamburger huns”.
- “A lack of pies” comes from “a pack of lies”.
- Say “Belly Jeans” instead of “Jelly Beans”.
- Saying “Chork Pops” instead of “pork chops”.
- “Grilled cheese” becomes “Chilled geese”.
This author’s favorite : “Russer’s Hots” becomes “Husser’s Rots”.
Did You Know? Spoonerisms can be a slip of the tongue. Or, it can be intentional to create whimsical humor.
What is Spooning?
Do not confuse “Spoonerism” with “Spooning” As you are now aware, “Spoonerisms” are a transposition of words and phrases. Spooning is a common sleeping position for couples. You could call it a form of hugging or cuddling during sleep.
In classic spooning, the couple are both lying on their side. Usually, the larger of the two (typically the male) takes the outside position. The smaller person is lying with their back to the other person’s front. The rear end is up against the man’s lap and stomach and her back is tight against his chest. His arm rests on her hips, side, or another spot. This sleeping position is warm, comfortable, and cozy.
One might ask “Does this lead to a more romantic event?” Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Or, it may be the sleeping position of choice after some bedroom exercise.
How to Celebrate and Participate in Spooner's Day
There are many things you can do to join in on the fun on Spooner’s Day. Here are a few ideas:
- Find all of the spoonerisms you can find online.
- Speak and write spoonerisms in all of your communications.
- Listen for them spoken by others.
- Create your own. It’s lots of fun.
- After creating a spoonerism, post it on social media. Then, challenge your friends to come up with their own.
- Hold a party and offer a prize for the best new spoonerism.
- Repeat tongue twisters. And, say them fast. Tongue twisters exist to cause hilarious phrases. In effect they are spoonerisms.
- Sleep in a spooning position with your sweetie tonight.
Today's Quote
“A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use.” Washington Irving
History and Origin of Spooner's Day
As mentioned previously, Spooner’s Day exists to recognize and honor William Archibald Spooner. This absent-minded professor lived in the 1800s. His frequent “slip of the tongue” was well-known by students and faculty on campus at New College in Oxford, England. His many gaffes led to the creation of the term “spoonerism”.
The date for this holiday is the Spooner’s birthdate. He was born on this day in 1844.
While much is known about William Archibald Spooner, we do not know who created this holiday or when.
The earliest reference to this holiday we found was in 2010. Some internet websites are now erroneously calling it Spoonerism Day. However, all early references to this holiday call it Spooner’s Day. And, Chase’s 2020 Calendar of Events also refers to it as Spooner’s Day.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- Bank robber John Dillon was shot dead. (1934)
- An act of Congress restores Civil War Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s citizenship. (1975)
- Alex Trebek, host of the television game show “Jeopardy”, was born on this day in 1940.
Related Holidays
More July 22 Holidays
In addition to Spooners Day, here are more July 22 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Ornamental Allium
Recipe of the Day: Green Beans and Mushrooms, Grilled
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