TGIF is possibly the oldest slang still in use, and its continuous usage indicates its enduring popularity.
It transcends generations, with people of all ages sharing the same excitement in their own unique ways.
So what does it even mean?
TGIF is an acronym or slang for Thank God It’s Friday. It began as a British slang and has been used since at least the 1930s. It’s a term that the working class or students almost always use to express excitement over the weekend approaching so that they can take a break.
What Is The Full Form of TGIF?
TGIF isn’t a typo or mispronunciation. It’s an acronym that stands for Thank God It’s Friday.
It holds a unique place in the world of internet slang. It stands out among the countless online phrases, as it serves to amplify the sentiments of a particular audience—the working class.
TGIF’s relevance is intrinsically tied to the concept of work, as it epitomizes the relief and anticipation that come with the end of the workweek.
The primary audience for TGIF is undoubtedly the working population, where every weekday is a grind, and the weekend offers a well-deserved respite.
However, this expression can also resonate with students who follow a typical 5-day educational week. In essence, TGIF caters to anyone who experiences the rhythm of a demanding work or study schedule punctuated by a precious 2-day weekend.
To fully appreciate the significance of TGIF, it’s essential to delve into its historical context.
In the early 1900s, professionals across various industries eagerly anticipated Friday for a slightly different reason than the modern TGIF sentiment.
For many, Friday marked the weekend’s arrival, a time to relax and recharge. However, there were sectors where Friday was synonymous with payday, especially for those on weekly wages.
This particular group of employees found immense exhilaration in the arrival of Friday, as it meant financial reward for their week’s labor.
But where did this term originate from?
It was in Britain where this phrase was birthed. From there, it later spread worldwide. The expression “TGIF” has become so pervasive that its British roots are now obscured. Dating back at least 80 to 90 years, it emerged in the 1930s.
The earliest known usage of “Thank God, It’s Friday” and its abbreviation “TGIF” surfaced in 1941 and was featured in Ohio’s local newspaper- The Marion Star, known as ‘Star’ at the time.
It marked a tangible milestone in its integration into daily life. This is what was written in the newspaper (via All Things How):
“I thought I’d heard of everything in the way of booster clubs, alumni organizations, and the like, but this city, home of the Ohio State University Buckeyes, and correctly called the Brooklyn of the Football world, has come up with one that tops them all. It’s the ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ club, composed entirely of undergraduates here at State.“
The above passage from the newspaper has been entered into the Green’s Dictionary of Slang by Jonathon Green.
Are you glad that it’s finally Friday? What are you planning to do this weekend? Or do you still have work to get to?
Let us know your plans in the comments below.
Source: All Things How
