Spanish
Believe it or not, sticking out your tongue has its own day. July 19th is the day to commemorate the World Tongue-Out Day, an unofficial date but increasingly popular on social media, where millions of people join the celebration.
It may seem like a simple joke or an excuse to have fun on the Internet, but this seemingly irreverent gesture carries behind it a cultural, historical, biological, and even identity-based load that is worth knowing.A gesture as old as humanity
Traditionally, sticking out one's tongue has been considered an act of bad manners, a sign of mockery or defiance. However, in many cultures around the world, this gesture has completely different connotations. In New Zealand, for example, Māori warriors stick out their tongues as part of the haka dance, to intimidate their opponents before a battle. During the Victorian era in England, some women used it as a discreet signal to offer their sexual services, in a society where almost everything was repressed. Today, however, it's more common to see it as a playful and casual way of expressing oneself. Especially among young people and celebrities, it's part of the everyday visual language of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat.Why July 19th?
There is currently no official reason for choosing July 19th as World Tongue-Out Day. It is not related to any historical event or the birth of any famous figure. Unlike other international dates, this one seems to have emerged spontaneously in the digital age.Beyond the Gesture
Taking advantage of this curious celebration, it's worth knowing a little more about the true protagonist: the tongue, that restless muscle we use to speak, taste, kiss... and yes, also to play tricks.Here is some fascinating data about the language:
- It is one of the strongest muscles in the body in proportion to its size and is formed by a complex network of interwoven muscles.
- It has unique fingerprints, just like fingertips, which makes it a possible biometric identification tool.
- It has approximately 3,000 taste buds, capable of distinguishing five basic flavors: sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami (and in some classifications spicy is also included).
- It is extremely flexible, it can stretch, roll up, flatten and contract thanks to its unique muscle structure.
Superficial celebration or cultural expression?
Sticking out your tongue can be an act of rebellion, a form of humor, an artistic expression, or simply a display of unfiltered joy.
In a world where appearances often weigh more than real emotions, sticking out your tongue can be a small act of freedom. So this July 19th, don't be afraid to stick your tongue out. Do it with humor, with style, or with audacity, but above all, with authenticity.
