Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Why some holidays have apostrophes. Why Californians say ‘the 405.’ MIGD

Feb 11, 2025

Explore the quirky world of apostrophes in holiday names like Mother's Day and Veterans Day. Uncover the historical meaning behind their usage. Delve into the unique linguistic quirks of Southern Californians, who commonly say 'the 405,' reflecting their local culture. Journey through language evolution, from medieval terms like 'turnpike' to personal regional expressions. This discussion highlights how language adapts and connects us to our traditions.

18:55

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Quick takeaways

The use of apostrophes in holiday names varies greatly depending on whether the day honors individuals or groups, revealing complexities in language and societal perceptions.

Southern Californians uniquely use 'the' before freeway numbers, a linguistic practice that reflects regional history and local identity in car culture.

Deep dives

Understanding Apostrophes in Holidays

The use of apostrophes in holiday names can be perplexing, as seen in examples like Mother's Day and Veterans Day. Holidays that celebrate individuals typically include a singular possessive apostrophe, indicating the day belongs to that person, such as Mother's Day honoring your mother. In contrast, holidays like Veterans Day use no apostrophe, emphasizing that the day honors all veterans rather than belonging to them. The distinction often hinges on public perception and the historical context of how these holidays evolved, leading to differing punctuation practices.

Understanding Apostrophe Use in Holidays and Unique Language Traits of California

17min

The Evolution of Language: From Turnpikes to Familects

4min

1055. Ever wonder why some holidays have apostrophes while others don’t? We look at Mother’s Day, Veterans Day, and Presidents’ Day. Then, we look at why Southern Californians say "the 405" while the rest of the country skips "the" in front of freeway names.

The "apostrophe" segment is by Karen Lunde, a former Quick & Dirty Tips editor and digital pioneer who's been spinning words into gold since before cat videos ruled the internet. She created one of the first online writing workshops, and she's published thousands of articles on the art of writing. These days, she leads personal narrative writing retreats and helps writers find their voice. Visit her at ChanterelleStoryStudio.com.

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