National She’s Funny That Way Day

National She’s Funny That Way Day is observed on March 31 to celebrate the unique humor and wit of the women who bring laughter into the world. This holiday serves as a tribute to both professional female comedians and the funny women in everyday life—mothers, sisters, friends, and colleagues—whose comedic timing and perspective brighten the lives of those around them. It is a day to recognize that humor is a powerful tool for connection and resilience, especially when delivered through the distinct lens of a woman’s experience.

Read also about World Laughter Day

History of National She’s Funny That Way Day

The holiday was established by author Brenda Meridith to coincide with the 2003 release of her novel, She’s Funny That Way. While the title shares its name with a famous 1920s jazz standard, the observance specifically focuses on the celebration of women in comedy. Meridith created the day to provide a dedicated space for recognizing female humorists, who have historically faced significant barriers in the entertainment industry. For much of the 20th century, female comedians were often relegated to specific, narrow archetypes or excluded from major comedy venues entirely.

Since its inception, the day has grown into a broader cultural appreciation for the evolution of women’s roles in humor. It tracks the progress from the early days of vaudeville and the pioneering television work of Lucille Ball to the modern era of stand-up specials and late-night writers’ rooms. The day honors the trailblazers who proved that “funny” is not a gendered trait and who used their platforms to challenge social norms and speak truth to power. By linking the holiday to a creative release, the founder emphasized the importance of women telling their own stories through their own comedic voices.

Why is National She’s Funny That Way Day important?

This day is important because it highlights the specific obstacles women have overcome to gain authority in the comedic world. Stand-up comedy, in particular, requires a level of stage presence and control that was not always socially granted to women in previous generations. By celebrating “She’s Funny That Way,” the public acknowledges the skill, bravery, and intelligence required to command a room and turn personal or social struggles into relatable laughter. It validates the idea that there is no single “correct” way for a woman to be funny, supporting styles that range from dry observation to high-energy satire.

Beyond the professional sphere, the holiday emphasizes the psychological benefits of shared laughter within personal relationships. Research consistently shows that humor reduces stress and fosters stronger emotional bonds between people. This day encourages individuals to look closely at the women in their lives and appreciate the specific, quirky ways they use humor to navigate daily challenges. It is a celebration of the “unsung” comedians who use wit to diffuse tension, comfort friends, or simply make a mundane afternoon more memorable for their families.

• It honors the legacy of female pioneers who broke into the male-dominated comedy circuit.
• The day encourages the support of modern female writers, directors, and performers.
• It promotes the use of humor as a healthy coping mechanism and social bridge.
• The holiday challenges outdated stereotypes about who can be “naturally” funny.
• It provides an opportunity to thank the women who provide emotional support through laughter.

How to Observe National She’s Funny That Way Day

Observing the day often involves seeking out and supporting female-led media and performances. You can celebrate by watching a stand-up special by a female comedian, attending a local improv show, or binging a sitcom created by and starring women. Many people choose to read memoirs or essays by funny female authors to gain a deeper understanding of the craft behind the jokes. Sharing your favorite clips or quotes from female comedians on social media is a simple way to help their work reach a wider audience and to join the global conversation about women in comedy.

On a more personal level, the day is a great time to tell the women in your life exactly what makes them so funny. Sharing a specific memory of a time a friend made you laugh until you cried can be a meaningful way to show appreciation for their personality. You might also celebrate by hosting a “comedy night” at home, where everyone shares a funny story or watches a classic comedy film together. The goal is to create an environment where women’s humor is centered, celebrated, and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of the setting.

• Watch a comedy special or film produced and performed by women.
• Post a tribute to a woman in your life who has a great sense of humor.
• Purchase a book written by a female humorist or comedic memoirist.
• Attend a live comedy event featuring a female-heavy lineup.
• List five specific ways a woman you know makes you laugh and tell her about it.

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