TGIF: The origins of the phrase 'Thank God It's Friday' and its use in countries around the world

The origins of the phrase “TGIF” 

As noted in an online post, the origins of the phrase “TGIF” have been disputed over the years. But, it singles in on a 1941 entry in the Encyclopedia of Slang as being the first to use “TGIF” in print.

The post includes a quote from The Marion Star (local Ohio newspaper) that reads:

"I thought I’d heard of everything in the way of booster clubs, alumni organization and the like, but this city, home of the Ohio State university Buckeyes […] has come up with one that tops them all. It’s the “Thank God It’s Friday” Club, composed entirely of undergraduates here at State. […] A typical meeting of the TGIF club goes something like this…."

This does help prove that "TGIF" did not originate with the TGI Friday’s restaurant chain, which opened in New York in 1965. According to Not One-Off Britishisms, the TGI Friday's restaurateur is said to have named his very first establishment based on the expression, “Thank God! It’s Friday!,” which he heard during his time spent at Bucknell University, which is located in Lewisburg, Penn.

The mainstream usage of the phrase “TGIF” 

Today, I’d say you’re more likely to hear people use the abbreviated version of the saying - “TGIF.” But, when saying the whole phrase, some may choose to either say “Thank Goodness It’s Friday” or “Thank God It’s Friday” - based on their personal preference and/or beliefs.

As with so many popular phrases, it's not surprising that “TGIF” has made its way into pop culture over the years.

A 1978 movie on disco culture was called, “Thank God It’s Friday.” The movie starred Donna Summer and Jeff Goldblum, and featured a Love & Kisses song with the same name.

In 1989, ABC aired a family-friendly primetime TV block called TGIF. While it was based on the phrase, “Thank God It’s Friday,” ABC TV stars are said to have referred to the block as “Thank Goodness It’s Funny.”

In 1996, R. Kelly released a song, “Thank God It’s Friday.” The abbreviated version of the phrase later made its way into another song in 1989 - Katy Perry’s "Last Friday Night (TGIF).”

The use of the phrase TGIF in other languages  

While the phrase “TGIF” may trace its origin to the heartland of the US, there are slight variations or other equivalents used by people around the world. Each one serves to celebrate the end of the work week – and the fun and relaxation associated with the weekend.

Across the border, in Canada, you’ll also hear the phrase “TGIF” happily shared on Fridays. According to Poppy of Expat Mama, you’ll likely hear “TGIF” across the pond in England, too. But, according to Not One-off Britishisms, it's "not a Britishism at all."

In the Netherlands, Annemarie of Dutch Alien Lands in the US says that people do use "TGIF," but they also say “Het is bijna weekend!” (“the weekend is almost there!”).

According to Ilze of Let the Journey Begin, in Latvian, you would say, “Paldies Dievam piektdiena ir klat!,” which directly translates to “Thank God It’s Friday!”

Among Tagalog speakers in the Philippines, you are likely to hear them say "Salamat diyos ko biyerenes na," which literally translates as "Thank you my god, it's already Friday!"

According to Audrey of Espanolita, in Spanish, people say "¡Feliz viernes!" ("Happy Friday!") or "¡Buen fin de!" ("Happy weekend!").

The start of the weekend is celebrated in Portuguese with the phrase, "Fim-de-Semana!" According to Catarina of CraftieMum, the phrase can be translated as "End of the week!"

No matter where you live or which language(s) you speak, Here's wishing you a happy “TGIF” and a great start to your weekend.

“Yasasin! Yann Tatil!”