125 saved#1,800 of 6,224

Curmudgeons Day

Get ready to embrace your inner grump on Curmudgeons Day! It's the perfect excuse to be cranky, complain, and indulge in all things curmudgeonly.

Friday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEJanuary 29

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate all the grumpy, grouchy, and cantankerous people in your life on Curmudgeons Day on January 29! This day is dedicated to embracing the curmudgeon within us all – that lovable side that sometimes just wants to complain and be left alone. The word "curmudgeon" actually comes from a mispronunciation of "coeur méchant", meaning "evil heart" in French. But don't let that fool you – curmudgeons can still have a big heart, even if they show it in their own unique way. So let's take a moment to appreciate our favorite grumps and celebrate the joy of being cranky together on this special day.

TIMELINE

Curmudgeons Day Timeline

Origin of the Word 'Curmudgeon'

The term 'curmudgeon' emerges in England during the 1400s, evolving from a mispronunciation of the French term "coeur méchant".

Use in Literature

The literary use of 'curmudgeon' becomes common in the English language during the 18th Century, accentuating grumpy, miserly characters in works of fiction.

Curmudgeons Day Creation

Commemorating the birthday of famous American humor column writer and self-professed curmudgeon, William Claude Dukenfield, better known as W.C. Fields, Curmudgeons Day is created.

Dedication to Grumps Worldwide

Curmudgeons Day begins to gain traction, celebrated increasingly as the day to embrace and appreciate the lovable grumps worldwide.

Mainstream Recognition

With the rise of social media, Curmudgeons Day gains mainstream recognition, with #CurmudgeonsDay trending annually on Twitter.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Curmudgeons Day

Throw a curmudgeon-themed party

Embrace your inner grumpy old man or woman and throw a party with a curmudgeon theme. Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite cranky character and serve snacks that curmudgeons would love, like black coffee and plain oatmeal.

HAVE

Have a movie marathon of grumpy characters

Spend the day curled up on the couch with some popcorn and your favorite movies featuring curmudgeonly characters, such as Grumpy from Snow White or Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol.

WRITE

Write a grumpy letter to someone

Channel your inner curmudgeon and write a letter to someone about something that's been bothering you. It can be serious or silly, but it's sure to be cathartic and entertaining.

Go on a grumpy walk

Take a walk around your neighborhood with a frown on your face and embrace your inner curmudgeon. You might even find some kindred spirits along the way.

TREAT

Treat yourself to a grumpy indulgence

Indulge in something that would make any curmudgeon happy, whether it's a decadent dessert or a day of doing absolutely nothing. After all, you deserve it for putting up with the world's nonsense.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Curmudgeons Day

It's a reminder to appreciate the little things

While being a curmudgeon can be fun, it's also important to remember the good things in life. Curmudgeons Day reminds us to take a step back from our grumpiness and appreciate the little things that bring joy and happiness to our lives.

It's a chance to embrace our inner curmudgeon

We all have those days where we just want to complain and be grumpy - and that's okay! Curmudgeons Day is the perfect excuse to let out our frustrations and embrace our crankiness without judgment.

It's a day to bond with other curmudgeons

On Curmudgeons Day, we can come together with our fellow grumps and share our grievances. It's a great way to find common ground and maybe even make some new friends who understand our grouchy tendencies.