Planking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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planking
[ˈplæŋkɪŋ ]
Definition
physical activity
Planking is a practice involving lying face down in an unusual or incongruous location, with the aim of having a photograph taken of the posture. This fad became popular in the early 2010s and garnered attention through social media and internet memes. It involves participants maintaining a rigid and straight body position, resembling a wooden plank. The activity is sometimes performed for humor or as a form of performance art.
Synonyms
horizontal lying, plank pose.
Examples of usage
- He performed a hilarious planking stunt on the beach.
- They started planking in various locations around the city.
- Planking became a viral trend among teenagers.
- She shared her latest planking photo on Instagram.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The trend gained mainstream popularity in 2011, leading to dozens of viral photos on social media.
- Many celebrities participated in planking, including actors and musicians, making it a pop culture phenomenon.
Social Media
- Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allowed users to share their planking photos, creating a digital community around the trend.
- Hashtags like #PlankingTrends helped organize and categorize related content online.
Psychology
- The act of planking can be seen as a way for individuals to seek attention and share humor with friends.
- Engaging in public displays, like planking, often reflects a person's desire for social acceptance and creativity.
Safety and Risks
- While often harmless, some individuals took risks by planking in unsafe locations, leading to injuries.
- In 2011, a tragic incident occurred when a person fell while planking on a high balcony, raising concerns about safety.
Origin of 'planking'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'planking' comes from the act of lying flat like a wooden plank.
- First recorded usage in reference to this fun activity surfaced in the early 2000s, but the practice itself dates back much further.
The term 'planking' can be traced back to the early 19th century, originally used to describe a method of laying boards or planks in a flat manner. However, its modern meaning emerged in the early 2000s with the rise of the internet and social media. The planking phenomenon first gained attention in Australia, where people began posting photos of themselves lying face down in unusual locations. It quickly spread across the globe, becoming a popular trend on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Despite its transient nature, planking inspired various offshoots and adaptations, including other forms of posing and viral challenges, demonstrating the interplay between physical activity and digital culture.