You’ve probably scrolled past the memes – images of people dramatically tossing their shorter friends with captions like “Happy National Throw Short People Day!” This viral internet trend has taken social media by storm, but before you attempt to launch your petite pals into orbit, let’s unpack what this bizarre “holiday” really represents (and why you won’t find it on any official calendar.)
The Origins of This Internet Phenomenon
National Throw Short People Day is a fictional internet joke holiday that circulates each year. It’s meant to be humorous and not taken seriously, often shared in memes and social media posts. On this day, you’re “allowed” to pick up and toss your shorter friends. But it’s all meant to be completely sarcastic — people don’t actually go around throwing anyone (or at least they really shouldn’t). Some people play along by posting memes, joking about tossing their short friends onto beds or into pools, or even photoshopping them tiny and pretending to yeet them into space.
Despite what your social media feed might have you believe, National Throw Short People Day isn’t actually a legitimate holiday you’ll find on any official calendar. This whole concept sprouted from internet culture, gaining momentum through memes and playful online banter.
Defining “Short” In An Internet World
The unofficial rules of this meme suggest that anyone under 5’5″ qualifies as “throwable,” but height perception is wonderfully subjective:
- A 6’2″ basketball player might consider 5’8″ short
- In some countries, 5’5″ is actually average height for women
- The perspective changes completely when you add footwear into the equation
This relativity is part of what makes the joke work – it’s intentionally arbitrary, just like most internet humor. The meme plays on our cultural fascination with height differences, from romantic tropes about tall partners lifting short ones to practical jokes about needing step stools.
When Does This Questionable “Holiday” Happen?
National Throw Short People Day is celebrated on October 21st. The fall timing seems appropriate – it’s far enough from April Fools’ Day to stand on its own, but still maintain that playful, mischievous energy.
The Intent Behind The Joke
At its core, this trend is meant to be harmless fun among consenting friends who enjoy teasing each other about their height differences. It plays into common dynamics where:
- Taller friends might joke about using shorter friends as armrests
- Couples with significant height differences share playful banter
- Petite people lean into self-deprecating humor about their stature
A Word of Caution
While most participants approach this with good humor, it’s important to remember:
- Not everyone appreciates height-related jokes
- Physical play should always be consensual
- What’s funny between close friends might not land with acquaintances
- The line between playful and hurtful can be thin
Better Ways To “Celebrate”
If you want to participate in the spirit of the day without actually endangering anyone’s safety or feelings, consider:
- Complimenting the short kings and queens in your life
- Sharing funny height difference photos (like perspective tricks)
- Making lighthearted memes about the challenges of being vertically challenged
- Simply using it as an excuse to appreciate your friends
The Bottom Line
National Throw Short People Day exists purely as an internet joke – one that’s meant to be silly rather than serious. While it can be fun to play along with the meme, remember that real people’s feelings matter more than viral trends. The best way to “celebrate”? Keep the humor kind, make sure everyone’s actually laughing, and maybe just give your short friends a high five instead of a toss.
When October 21st rolls around, feel free to enjoy the memes, share a laugh about height differences, and maybe even post your own creative take. Just maybe keep the actual throwing to Photoshop and let the petite people in your life keep their feet firmly on the ground. After all, the best internet holidays are the ones where everyone walks away smiling – preferably without any airborne incidents.
