Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day

Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day takes place annually on October 23 and offers a humorous excuse to address the frustration caused by bothersome colleagues. On a regular day, people might ignore such coworkers or quietly walk away. But on this occasion, you’re invited to channel your irritation—constructively and without actual violence.

History

The exact origins of this tongue-in-cheek holiday remain unknown, but it’s widely accepted that the idea is meant to be symbolic, not literal. A sharp comeback, a calm confrontation, or even an exasperated glance can be just as satisfying as an imaginary slap. Humor is the best defense, and this day encourages office workers to let off steam in non-harmful ways.

Interesting Facts

• A French proverb says, “Revenge is a dish best served cold,” implying that timing is key when dealing with irritations.
• Satirical “slapping rules” online suggest one slap per hour, slaps for repeated offenses, and even getting away with fibbing to your boss—clearly meant as comedy.
• In the film Groundhog Day, the main character relives the same day, trying different ways to deal with annoying people—sometimes with slaps, sometimes with charm.
• Slap-fighting competitions, now popular online, judge participants on power, accuracy, and dramatic effect. Thankfully, this holiday doesn’t require that level of commitment.

How to Take Part

If a colleague is testing your patience, consider talking to them or venting in a healthy way—through laughter, journaling, or a private chat with a trusted coworker. Avoid confrontation and instead use this day as a reason to find light-hearted solutions. And of course, don’t actually slap anyone!

When is Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day in 2025?

Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day is observed on October 23 each year.

Observations