The first recorded use of the term "Happy Hour" was in 1914. And while today, us young folk know the term means 1) discounted drinks, 2) tipsy conversation with your friends, 3) possibly cute fellas that you and your girlfriends can make googly eyes (but never actually initiate anything).
According to a quick, but thorough Google search, the term "Happy Hour" didn't always mean discounted drinks in the middle of the day. It used to be a phrase used by The United State Navy abroad the US Arkansas during the First World War. It had come to mean a period of time during the week where sailors could enjoy smoking, games, boxing and other forms of entertainment.
Soon, during Prohibition the term came to mean: drinking a cocktail in a speakeasy before dinner. Alcohol was prohibited at restaurants, so one had to go in the late afternoon to imbibe in a lil bit of vodka or whiskey before going to dinner. And that's really how we use the definition still today.
So there you have it! A short and concise history of Happy Hour.
Even though I've only been an active participant in Happy Hour for a short period of time, I do thoroughly enjoy it. It's fun; you feel all grown-up while still being able to goof around. But every time I have tried to Happy Hour, it turns out unsuccessful! We either arrive too late, or the drinks are too expensive, or there's no where to sit.
Regardless, I have not actually been able to successfully partake in Happy Hour as of yet. Which is fine, but I yearn for the happy and blissful atmosphere that Happy Hour goers exude on Instagram and Pinterest. Maybe soon, I will claim that I have done right, and won at the game of Happy Hour. Stay tuned, folks.
This summer, I have been lucky enough to be a brand ambassador for BANGS shoes, an ethical brand whose mission is to promote small entrepreneurship around the world. The shoes remind me a lot of Converse, so if you’re a high-top sneaker kind of person, go and check out the options!
