English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Black Friday
Meaning
The idiom "Black Friday" refers to the day after Thanksgiving in the United States when there are typically large sales and discounts on many items. It is commonly associated with the beginning of the holiday shopping season. The term itself is thought to have originated from the practice of retailers recording their profits in black ink on Fridays, and the sales leading up to Black Friday being seen as a way to "turn red" or go into the black.
Usage
- I always look forward to Black Friday because it's the perfect time to start my holiday shopping.
- Some people complain that the crowds on Black Friday are too overwhelming, but I find it to be an exciting day of bargain hunting.
- Black Friday is a great opportunity for small businesses to offer discounts and attract new customers.
- I've been planning my Black Friday purchases for weeks now, making sure to take advantage of all the best deals.
- Many people use Black Friday as an excuse to indulge in unhealthy foods and overeat, but I try to make healthy choices during the holidays.
Roots and History
The term "Black Friday" was first used in the 1800s to describe the day when merchants would mark their accounts in black ink to indicate that they had made a profit. The practice of having large sales on this day became more widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with department stores offering discounts and promotions to kick off the holiday shopping season. Over time, the term "Black Friday" has come to be associated not just with the beginning of the holiday season, but also with the idea of making a lot of money through sales and marketing efforts.
Synonyms in English
- Cyber Monday - a day when there are large online sales and promotions
- Day After Thanksgiving Sale - a sale that takes place the day after Thanksgiving
- Shopping Day - a day when people go shopping for gifts and other items
- Holiday Sales - sales that take place during the holiday season
- Discount Days - days when there are discounts on various items
Synonyms in other languages
- Noemvri - Norwegian for "November" (which is commonly associated with Black Friday sales)
- Jeudi Gras - French for "Fat Thursday" (a day when many people eat and drink excessively before the Christian season of Lent begins)
- Día de Acciones de Gracias - Spanish for "Thanksgiving Day" (which is celebrated in many countries outside of the United States)
- Vendredi Gras - French for "Fat Friday" (similar to Jeudi Gras)
- Mittagsessen - German for "Afternoon Tea" (a tradition that takes place in some countries during the holiday season)