POETS day

See also: poet's day, poets' day, and poets day

English

Alternative forms

• poets day, poets' day

Etymology

Probably 20th century British; derived from the acronym Piss Off (or Push Off) Early, Tomorrow's Saturday or perhaps earlier Piss Off (or Push Off) Early, Today's Saturday. (Can this⁽⁺⁾ etymology be sourced?)

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Noun

POETS day (plural POETS days)

1. (humorous, UK, Australia, New Zealand) Friday, the last day of the working week.
   • 2002, M. J. Lynley, Malika, Mithrandir Books, UK, page 177:

     He was about to walk out the door when Malika came in with the weighty, leatherbound Consejo book that recorded the Board minutes. Alex′s heart sank. Malika looked surprised.

     ‘Malika, it′s POETS day. Time to go home.’

     ‘POETS day?’

     ‘Yes. Piss Off Early, Tomorrow′s Saturday.’

   • 2003, Richard Eyre, National Service: Diary of a Decade at the National Theatre‎^[1], page 14:

     ‘It′s poets′ day,’ said one of the crew. ‘Poets′ day?’ said Tony incredulously. ‘In Leeds?!?’ ‘Yes, POETS — Piss Off Early Tomorrow′s Saturday.’

   • 2006, Ian Rankin, The Naming of the Dead, published 2008, unnumbered page:

     ‘Check your computer in about an hour′s time. But be warned – POETS day, meaning the CID cupboard might be a bit on the Mother Hubbard side.’
     ‘Appreciate anything you can get for us, Stan. Happy trails.’ Rebus clicked the phone shut. ‘POETS day,’ he reminded Siobhan.
     ‘Piss Off Early, Tomorrow′s Saturday,’ she recited.

See also

• TGIF

References

• Website promoting POETS Day
• BBC h2g2 entry