'National Crush
Sunday, September 27, 2026
The Word Itself. The English word "crush" entered the language around 1398, originally meaning to break or crack with force. Its romantic meaning did not appear until 1884, when Isabella Maud Rittenhouse wrote in her journal, "Wintie is weeping because her crush is gone." Slang historian Eric Partridge traced the shift to "mash," an 1870s term for being infatuated. By the 1890s, "crush" had expanded from describing the person to describing the feeling itself
History
The Word Itself. The English word "crush" entered the language around 1398, originally meaning to break or crack with force. Its romantic meaning did not appear until 1884, when Isabella Maud Rittenhouse wrote in her journal, "Wintie is weeping because her crush is gone." Slang historian Eric Partridge traced the shift to "mash," an 1870s term for being infatuated. By the 1890s, "crush" had expanded from describing the person to describing the feeling itself
How It's Celebrated
'National Crush is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.