In Philly sports, the term "Black Friday" refers to the 1977 NLCS game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. But being of the Millennial Generation, I tend to think of it as Cole Hamels apparently did when asked in 2008 if he knew what "Black Friday" meant to Philadelphia.
“No, because I wasn’t born then,” said Hamels. “I guess if
somebody is talking about Black Friday, I suppose somebody lost —
probably the Phillies.”
Good answer, Cole. That was back before he became a WFC. So the Phillies were still perennial losers at that point.
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This has no real relevance today besides the fact that across the country people are shopping their faces off in search of that extra special deal on an Xbox or 72-inch plasma television. This day after Thanksgiving every year is known as "Black Friday" as well. But did you know the origins of that nationally recognized term come from the city of Philadelphia as well?
According to legend, it originated from the Philadelphia Police Department back in the 60s regularly referring to the awful traffic around town and extra workload they'd be assigned following turkey day as "Black Friday."
A blog dedicated to "exploring the pathways of our lexicon" has the wholle story. It's pretty cool.
What's the best deal you got today? Did you get one of the Ryan Howard action figures given to the first 102 (get it?) visitors to the Phillies Majestic Clubhouse store this morning?
News
>>The Origins of "Black Friday" [Word Routes]
>>On Workout Wednesday, Revisiting Black Friday [NYTimes, 2008]