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What is Taco Tuesday slang?

Taco Tuesday is a popular slang term used to refer to eating tacos on Tuesdays. It originated as a marketing slogan used by restaurants to promote taco specials on Tuesdays, but has now become a cultural phenomenon and meme. Here’s a quick overview of the history and meaning behind Taco Tuesday slang:

Origin of Taco Tuesday

The exact origins of Taco Tuesday are unclear, but it’s believed to have started in the 1960s or 1970s as a promotional tactic used by restaurants. Some of the earliest known uses include:

  • A chain of restaurants in Wyoming called “Taco John’s” is often credited with coining the term in the 1970s. They advertised specials like “Two Tacos for $1” on Tuesdays.
  • Fast food chain Taco Bell also used Taco Tuesday to market tacos in the 1970s and 1980s. They released TV commercials and print ads promoting Taco Tuesdays.
  • Some Southern California restaurants like
    El Torito and Del Taco used Taco Tuesday specials to attract customers on typically slower weekday nights.

The term caught on throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with restaurants across the U.S. offering Taco Tuesday specials. It became widely ingrained in American culture as both a restaurant marketing tactic and idea for consumers to look forward to tacos once a week.

Taco Tuesday Tradition and Meaning

Today, Taco Tuesday is observed by millions of Americans and has taken on a life of its own beyond just marketing. It’s an excuse to eat tacos on Tuesday for many. Some key aspects of the Taco Tuesday tradition include:

  • Taco Eating: Many families, friend groups, offices, churches and organizations will purposely eat tacos on Tuesdays.
  • Taco Parties: Hosting or attending a taco-themed party on Tuesdays.
  • Taco Take-Out: Getting take-out or delivery tacos on Tuesdays rather than cooking at home.
  • Taco Tuesday Specials: Patronizing restaurants offering Taco Tuesday deals.
  • Taco Tuesday Posts: Posting about Taco Tuesday celebrations on social media.

For many, Taco Tuesday is an opportunity to gather with friends and family over a shared love of tacos. The term signals a carefree celebration, often accompanied by margaritas and good times. It’s become a way to indulge in a fun meal mid-week.

Taco Tuesday in Pop Culture

Taco Tuesday has also become popularized in movies, TV, music and more:

  • The phrase was used in the hit song “It’s Tuesday” by ILoveMakonnen ft. Drake in 2014.
  • LeBron James of the NBA posted Taco Tuesday videos on social media in 2019, showing his family’s meals.
  • Fast food chains like Del Taco and El Pollo Loco promote Taco Tuesday deals.
  • In the movie The Lego Movie, main character Emmet says “Taco Tuesday!” enthusiastically.
  • There are recipes like “Taco Tuesday Casserole” that have become popular for the occasion.

Taco Tuesday has clearly moved from just being an advertising slogan into mainstream pop culture and conversations. For many restaurants it remains an important way to bring in customers on weeknights.

Legal Disputes Over Taco Tuesday

There have also been some legal disputes over Taco Tuesday in recent years:

  • Taco John’s tried to claim they owned the trademark for Taco Tuesday in 1989 but were unsuccessful.
  • A Wyoming taco restaurant sued another local restaurant in 2019 for using Taco Tuesday in their ads.
  • The NBA warned LeBron James to stop saying Taco Tuesday in social posts over trademark concerns but later backed off.

While no entity owns the exclusive rights to Taco Tuesday, it remains a legally contentious term. However, these disputes haven’t stopped its widespread popularity and adoption by restaurants, brands and consumers.

Conclusion

In summary, Taco Tuesday is now deeply ingrained in American culture as both a restaurant marketing hook and a cultural food holiday. Though its exact origins are unknown, it rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s through chains like Taco John’s and Taco Bell using it to promote tacos. Today it signals a day of indulgence in tacos and partying for consumers. The term has been popularized through movies, music, social media and more. While some legal disputes have emerged, Taco Tuesday remains a fun pop culture food holiday embraced by millions.