National Name Your Poison Day is observed on June 8 each year. While the phrase “name your poison” is commonly used to describe the beverage of choice, it also alludes to making the least detrimental decision. There are numerous situations in which we must choose the lesser of two or more atrocities. National Name Your Poison Day honours our ability to choose the ‘poison’ or make a decision that is the least detrimental of all the alternatives.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL NAME YOUR POISON DAY
Since the middle of the 19th century, the term ‘poison’ has been used as a colloquial term for alcoholic beverages. It could have originated from the Latin root ‘toxicum’ (venom) of the word ‘intoxicate.’ Additionally, it can refer to the adverse effects of extensive alcohol consumption. This is the origin of the phrases “name your poison”, “pick your poison”, and “what’s your poison?”
Midway through the nineteenth century, central Austrian mountaineers began consuming arsenic preparations once or twice per week as a general tonic or stimulant. They earned the nickname “arsenic eaters.” Some of them even gained the reputation of having developed a high tolerance in the event that their adversaries attempted to poison them.
The Washington, D.C., newspaper “Daily National Republican” reported on March 24, 1864, that the phrase “Please nominate your poison, gentlemen” was the newest method of asking men what drink they would like. The story spread to newspapers across the United States, and by 1867, many authors were using the slang term.
Although the phrase “nominate your poison” dates back to the early days of the temperance movement, it generally refers to the act of ordering a drink. In 1914, when the mayor of Ohio passed a law requiring all drinkers to obtain a licence, the phrase gained a great deal of popularity.
Recently, the alternative meaning of the expression, i.e. “making the least bad choice,” has gained popularity. The most likely explanation for this is that it is not exclusive to consumers and can be used in other contexts. Why? Is it not because it looks cool?
Five facts about poison that will astound you
Poison motorist
In 1921, chauffeur was the most common occupation reported for Californians with the surname ‘Poison.’
Name your poison amphibian
The golden poison dart frog is the most poisonous amphibian in the world, with one gramme of its poison capable of killing one thousand adults.
A poisonous solace
Painkillers are the substance most frequently used to poison adults over the age of 20.
Poison for dinner
Dinnertime is the most common time for childhood poisonings; poison control centres refer to dinnertime as “the arsenic hour.”
Poison excess
The preponderance of poisonings in America are caused by drug overdose.
NATIONAL NAME YOUR POISON DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 8 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 8 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 8 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 8 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 8 | Tuesday |
