DID YOU KNOW? How "TGIF" Came to Be?

Ah, TGIF — that magical phrase we all chant when the school week ends and vibes begin. But have you ever stopped mid-turn-up to wonder… who started this whole TGIF thing anyway? Before "TGIF" became a cultural anthem for students, workers, and weekend warriors, it was actually born in the most unexpected place: a bar. Yup, not Twitter, not Hollywood, not even Nollywood. In 1965, a New Yorker named Alan Stillman opened a bar and restaurant and named it TGI Friday’s. But here’s the kicker — it wasn’t just about food or drinks. His goal? To create a chill, relaxed space where singles could unwind, flirt, and basically vibe after a long workweek. The name “Thank God It’s Friday” captured that feeling of relief, excitement, and freedom. And boom — just like that, a phrase was born. Fast-forward a few decades, and the phrase exploded even more when American TV jumped on the train. If you grew up watching family sitcoms in the 90s, you probably heard of ABC’s “TGIF” Friday night block — a lineup of feel-good shows like Full House and Sabrina the Teenage Witch that made Friday evenings feel sacred. But TGIF didn’t stop there. As the internet grew, so did the vibe. Now, #TGIF trends every Friday across TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp. It’s not just a saying anymore — it’s a full lifestyle. From Nigerian uni students looking forward to Friday jollof and campus raves, to 9-5ers waiting for that weekend recharge, TGIF is that collective exhale we all share. Funny enough, there’s even a tiny group of people who say “Thank God It’s Monday” (yes, TGIM is a thing). But let’s be real — they definitely haven’t tasted Monday morning traffic in Lagos or faced a surprise test in 8 a.m. lectures 😭. So next time you scream “TGIF!”, just know you’re not just marking the end of the week — you’re continuing a decades-old tradition that started in New York, danced through American TV, and now lives strong in Naija Twitter, student group chats, and every Friday night turn-up.