“I’m going to publish my article a couple of days earlier, on Friday instead of Sunday. It will be ready this evening,” I told the younger man of the house.
“What’s the reason?” he asked.
“You gave me the inspiration to do so,” I joked.
While the better half ends his day at the usual time, my offspring has been literally jumping for joy ever since Jumpstart Fridays began at work. Well to be honest, I’m exaggerating. Let me rephrase that: he has been wearing a smile from ear to ear ever since he started wrapping up his workday much earlier on Fridays. Effective from the week before Memorial Day through the week before Labor Day, employees are given the opportunity to call it a day at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Needless to say, the weekend mood sets in much earlier.
Once upon a time
The acronym TGIF (“Thank God It’s Friday”) was a purely American concept to me when I first landed in the USA three decades ago. I had never heard it while I was in India.
After all, what was there to get excited about on a Friday when we still had to go to school and college on Saturdays? My father, who worked in the government sector, had to go to work as well. Later, government employees were granted the second Saturday of every month as a holiday. That was about it!
Stepping backwards to gather bits & pieces
It is interesting to trace how Fridays became so special. The phrase “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) gained popularity in the United States in the early to mid 20th century. Labor reforms led to more structured and regular work schedules. With the gradual adoption of the five-day, 40-hour workweek across many industries around 1940, Friday came to symbolize the end of the workweek and the beginning of leisure time. People welcomed this brief respite from their routine work and the opportunity it created to spend time with family and friends.
Over time, TGIF became a widely recognized expression in everyday life. And naturally, it did not stay away from the world of entertainment.
The year 1978 witnessed the release of the American musical comedy film Thank God It’s Friday. The film traced the stories of various patrons and staff at an LA disco on a Friday evening. Although not a commercial success, Donna Summer’s performance of “Last Dance” in the film won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Equally iconic was ABC’s branding of its Friday night sitcom lineup as “TGIF” in the 1990’s. It was spelled out as “Thank Goodness It’s Funny”. Families spent fun evenings filled with laughter and light-hearted entertainment.
A name rather innovative
A casual dining restaurant chain serving American food and signature cocktails, TGI Fridays helped popularize the TGIF spirit in everyday culture. To take a break from the kitchen is what every home chef looks forward to. What better day than a Friday to eat out and unwind after the week?
The stories have added up over time!
The rest, as they say, is history. The idea of Fridays being special has now become a global concept. As the workday comes to a close and the weekend quietly begins to take shape, the familiar sense of anticipation returns.
Whether it is a quiet dinner, a family outing, or simply a moment of rest, Friday carries its own small celebration. It is no longer just “TGIF,” but also a cheerful “Fri-yay,” marking the shift from obligation to ease and from routine to renewal.
A happy Friday evening to those stepping into it, and a wonderful weekend to those who have already crossed into it, depending on which side of the globe you are on.
rashmi writes 