National Blame Someone Else Day

Celebrated on 02/13/2026

Quick Fact

National Blame Someone Else Day is observed annually on the first Friday the 13th of the year. It was created in 1982 by Anne Moeller of Clio, Michigan, who realized that sometimes it's easier to shift responsibility than to accept it.

Origins and Establishment of National Blame Someone Else Day

National Blame Someone Else Day was invented in 1982 by Anne Moeller of Clio, Michigan. According to folklore, Moeller conceived the idea after a particularly stressful day where she found it easier to blame her husband, Tom, for a series of minor mishaps. The holiday was intentionally set on the first Friday the 13th of each year, a date already associated with bad luck and superstition, making it a fitting occasion to deflect blame. Moeller registered the holiday with the Chase's Calendar of Events, and it has since been recognized as an unofficial national day.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially, the holiday was a lighthearted family affair, with Moeller and her friends using the day to playfully pass blame for everyday annoyances. Over time, it gained popularity through word-of-mouth and media mentions. Today, it is celebrated with humor, often involving office pranks where coworkers jokingly blame each other for trivial mistakes. Social media has amplified the holiday, with people sharing funny blame-shifting stories. Some companies even use it as a team-building exercise to encourage lightheartedness and reduce workplace tension.

Facts & General Observations

• A 2023 survey found that 68% of Americans admit to blaming someone else for a mistake at least once a month.
• The Friday the 13th occurrence that hosts National Blame Someone Else Day happens only once a year on average, but can occur up to three times in rare years.
• The holiday has inspired similar unofficial observances, such as "National Take Responsibility Day" on the following day.

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